Week in Review - August 19-23, 2019
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 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.

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.

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when it was initially proposed by DHS and HHS by submitting comments detailing concerns with the rule and urging it be rescinded.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 on public charge put forth by the Department of Homeland Security on August 14th. The rule, which is already being challenged in court, 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 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 and submitted joint comments 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/en Español).


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" 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 opposing the rule as "unlawful, unjust, and unwise" and urging it be rescinded.
 
USCCB Migration Committee Chairman Bishop Vásquez said in a corresponding statement: "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 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). 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 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.


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 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 . 
  • 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 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 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 Anna Johnson for more information and to register.

In Solidarity, 
Tony Cube
3211 Fourth Street, NE Washington, DC 20017
Phone: (202) 541-3064 Fax: (202) 722-8711
Copyright © 2019 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

USCCB, 3211 Fourth Street NE, Washington, DC 20017
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