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Week in Review - August 19-23, 2019
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Justice for Immigrants Colleagues,
Please see below for the latest updates from JFI.
Chair of USCCB's Committee on Migration Denounces New Rule Undermining Existing
Protections for Immigrant Children
Today, the Administration issued its final rule [[link removed]]
relating to the care and custody of immigrant children under the Flores Settlement
Agreement. The rule attempts to drastically undermine existing Flores protections
for immigrant children in federal custody. In 1997, the Flores Settlement Agreement
was established after over a decade of litigation. Flores sets forth foundational
principles and critical protections regarding the care, custody, and release of
immigrant children who are in federal custody, including the general requirements
that they be housed in the least restrictive setting and in facilities licensed
for childcare. Learn more about Flores here [[link removed]].
In response, Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on
Migration released a statement condemning the rule and noting: "It is an attempt
by the Administration to circumvent existing obligations and undermine critical
protections for these children. This rule will jeopardize the well-being and humane
treatment of immigrant children in federal custody and will result in children suffering
long-lasting consequences of being held for prolonged periods in family detention.
We oppose this rule that we believe is unlawful and inhumane." Read the full statement
here [[link removed]].
USCCB also opposed this rule when it was initially proposed by DHS and HHS by submitting
comments detailing concerns with the rule and urging it be rescinded.
Chairs of USCCB's Committees on Migration and Domestic Justice and Human Development
Express Deep Concern Over New Rule on Individuals and Families that Access Public
Benefits
Bishop Vásquez, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, and Bishop Frank J.
Dewane, Bishop of Venice, FL, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice
and Human Development, expressed their strong opposition to a
final rule [[link removed]]
on public charge put forth by the Department of Homeland Security on August 14th.
The rule, which is already being challenged in court [[link removed]],
is currently set to take effect on October 15th and will undoubtedly have negative
consequences for families accessing critical public benefits for which they otherwise
qualify. In their statement [[link removed]]
opposing the new rule, the USCCB committee chairmen declared: "This rule will undermine
family unity and lead many lawful immigrants to forgo vital assistance, including
enrollment in nutrition, housing, and medical programs."
The USCCB also opposed this rule when it was initially proposed by DHS [[link removed]]
and submitted joint comments [[link removed]]
with Catholic Charities USA detailing concerns with the rule and urging it be rescinded.
To learn more about the final public charge rule, see our joint USCCB and CCUSA
backgrounder (in English [[link removed]]/en
Español [[link removed]]).
Chair of USCCB Committee on Migration Urges Rescission of New Rule that Undermines
our Asylum System and Puts Vulnerable Individuals and Families at Risk
On July 16th, the Trump Administration issued an "interim final rule [[link removed]]"
that seeks to fundamentally change and drastically limit our nation's asylum system.
The move would allow the Administration to block most individuals arriving at our
southern border from gaining access to asylum in the U.S., requiring them to apply
for protection in almost any other country through which they transit. On August
9th, the USCCB submitted comments [[link removed]]
opposing the rule as "unlawful, unjust, and unwise" and urging it be rescinded.
USCCB Migration Committee Chairman Bishop Vásquez said in a corresponding statement
[[link removed]]:
"The rule would turn our back on the vast majority of asylum seekers . . . Not only
do we believe that this rule is unlawful, but it also jeopardizes the safety of
vulnerable individuals and families fleeing persecution and threatens family unity."
While a federal court in the Northern District of California initially issued a
nationwide preliminary injunction temporarily blocking implementation of this rule,
this order has since been narrowed. The Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued
an order [[link removed]]
on August 16th which currently halts the preliminary injunction from applying outside
the Ninth Circuit - meaning that, at this time, the Administration can move forward
with implementing the rule along the southern border outside of California and Arizona.
Refugee Update
As of Monday, August 19, 2019, an estimated 26,344 refugees were admitted into the
United States for fiscal year (FY) 2019. Based on the number of refugees whose travel
is scheduled for the remainder of the year, the Administration should meet its annual
goal of resettling 30,000 refugees. The number of Special Immigrants Visa holders
(SIV) admitted from Afghanistan and Iraq is so far 6,281, with scheduled arrivals
for FY2019 expected to be just under 6,500. While celebrating every life saved,
this number of SIV admissions unfortunately falls short of the 10,000 person SIV
goal set at the beginning of the fiscal year.
Reportedly, the Administration has drafted and is considering issuing an executive
order that would authorize states and local communities to veto whether refugees
are resettled in their locales (see news report [[link removed]]).
While states and local communities are crucial and indispensable partners in resettlement,
the role of maintaining a uniform immigration law is not a local/state matter, but
a federal responsibility. Refugee Council USA, of which USCCB's Migration and Refugee
Services is a member, also released a statement [[link removed]]
urging the Administration to reject such a policy.
Refugee Council USA Grassroots Webinar: Noon, Friday, September 6, 2019. SAVE THE
DATE. Further information will be forthcoming.
Webinar Recap: World Day for Migrants and Refugees
Thank you to those joining us on the World Day for Migrants and Refugees webinar
on August 14th. Special thanks to Fr. Robert Stark S.S.S., Regional Coordinator,
Migrants and Refugees Section of the Vatican for his presentation. The webinar presentation
slides and recording are now posted on the JFI webinars page [[link removed]].
JFI Webinar: What You Need to Know about Unaccompanied Children
On Thursday, September 12th, please join us as we host a webinar on Unaccompanied
Children. More information, including how to login for this webinar, can be found
on the flyer below.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities

* Outdoor Unity Mass - August 23, 2019 at 5:30 PM in Chicago, IL
The annual Mass in the Zocalo will take place on Friday, Aug. 23rd at 5:30 PM at
1919 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago 60608. All are welcome for this outdoor celebration
with Bishop Robert Casey and the people of Pilsen. Fellowship and music will follow
the Mass. Visit the website [[link removed]]
of St. Pius V Parish for more information.

* A Prayer Bus Tour: Welcoming the Stranger and Immigrant With Love - August 25,
2019 at 12:30 PM in Sioux Falls, SD
Join Pax Christi Southeastern SD Chapter, Sioux Falls Multi-Cultural Center, Presentation
Sisters' Caminando Juntos, and Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church to experience
the spiritual home of Eastern Orthodox Christians in the Sioux Falls-area. Fr. Sava
Leida will offer an introduction to Orthodox faith and life. Participants will see
the space where the community worships with its various sacred icons and hear some
of their liturgical music. RSVP and get more information from the event website
[[link removed]]
.

* Catholic Day of Action for Immigrant Children - September 4, 2019 at 10 AM in
Newark, NJ
Organizers have expressed their thanks to all who joined in person or in prayer
and action during the powerful mobilization [[link removed]]
of Catholic faith leaders on July 18th. Several Catholic organizations are hosting
another national action for immigrant children in Newark, NJ on Sept. 4th, from
10:00 AM to Noon. Those interested in participating can join the event at St. Mary's
Church/Newark Abbey, 520 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Newark 07102 with a procession
to the Federal Building at 970 Broad St. Complete this form [[link removed]]
to share your interest in this event with organizers.
* Missionary Discipleship Formation Seminar - September 7, 2019 in Tacoma, WA
The Archdiocese of Seattle and Maryknoll Mission Education are holding a one-day
workshop to teach Catholic ministers and educators the Live, Lead and Serve with
Abundant Joy formation program. The workshop starts at 9 AM at St. Leo Parish, 710
S. 13th St., Tacoma 98405. Email [mailto:[email protected]] Anna Johnson for
more information and to register.
In Solidarity,
Tony Cube
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3211 Fourth Street, NE Washington, DC 20017
Phone: (202) 541-3064 Fax: (202) 722-8711
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