Justice for Immigrants Colleagues, Please see below for the latest updates from JFI.
USCCB/MRS Submits Written Statement for the Record for House Oversight Hearing: "Mental Health Needs of Children in HHS Custody"
On September 18, 2019, USCCB/MRS Executive Director Bill Canny submitted a written statement for the record for the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies oversight hearing. The statement shares insights from our work serving unaccompanied children and separated families, and it offers recommendations to help ensure that vulnerable unaccompanied and separated children, are connected to critical support services upon their release from federal custody.
Supreme Court Order on Asylum Rule and New FAQ
On September 11, 2019, the Supreme Court issued a decision permitting the Trump Administration to enforce its recent asylum rule while the legality of the rule is being litigated. The rule, which was first announced in July 2019, effectively bans most migrants from seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border if they transited through almost any 3rd country on their way to the U.S. USCCB/MRS voiced strong opposition to this rule in comments submitted to the Trump Administration and in a statement by Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, USCCB Migration Chairman.
Prior to the Supreme Court's order, the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of California had issued a preliminary injunction temporarily blocking the rule's implementation nationwide while litigation was pending. The order had subsequently been narrowed by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Learn more about the rule and the Supreme Court's order here.
USCCB Urges Against Further Reduction in Refugee Resettlement
On September 13, 2019, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the USCCB, and Bishop Vásquez, Chair of USCCB's Committee on Migration, issued a statement after it was reported that Trump Administration officials will recommend to President Trump to zero out or greatly reduce refugee admissions for the next Fiscal Year (FY). The statement noted: "America welcomes refugees; that is who we are, that is what we do."
JFI Action Alert: ACT NOW to Protect Refugee Resettlement
In this critical moment, the President is deciding the number of refugees that can be admitted into the United States. We urge you to let the President and Congress know of your strong support for refugees and resettlement. As September 30, 2019 (the end of the fiscal year) approaches, the Trump Administration is required to announce the Presidential Determination (PD) for FY 2020, which determines the number of refugees allowed to be admitted to the U.S. The FY 2019 PD was the all-time-lowest number in the history of resettlement. Meanwhile, there are nearly 26 million refugees worldwide with 1.4 million needing resettlement.
Please participate in and share with your networks the JFI action alert supporting refugees.
On September 18, in the Senate, a procedural vote of 51-44, prevented the Senate from voting on an FY 2020 minibus appropriation bill that included spending bills for Defense; Labor, Health, and Human Services and Education; State, Foreign Operations; and Energy and Water Development. The Senate version of each of the four bills would have provided less funding for migration related accounts than H.R. 2740, the minibus passed by the House in June: $53 million less for ORR, $100 million less for PRM, and $50 million less for International Disaster Assistance. Senate Democrats explained in a letter that they defeated the measure because they disapproved of shifting $5 billion from LHHS to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. Meanwhile, on September 19, the House passed by a vote of 301-123 H.R. 4378, a continuing resolution that would provide appropriations at FY 2019 levels through November 21, 2019 for any and all of the 12 appropriations bills that have not been passed by Congress and signed by the President before September 30, 2019. The Senate is expected to vote on H.R. 4378 next week, leaving further resolution of differences over FY 2020 appropriations until just before Thanksgiving.
Please stay tuned for upcoming appropriations updates and resources.
- JFI Webinar Re-cap: What You Need to Know about Unaccompanied Children
Thank you to all who participated in the JFI webinar on unaccompanied children. The webinar recording and presentation slides are now posted on the JFI webinar page.
- New Resource on Care Settings for Unaccompanied Children
JFI has partnered with Bethany Christian Services to create a new backgrounder on the various care settings that unaccompanied children can be placed into while in Office of Refugee Resettlement care. Please find a copy of this resource here and in the UAC section of the JFI website.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- Panel Presentation: Undocumented and Unafraid: Student Activism in the Era of Deportation - September 24, 2019 at 10:30 AM in Washington, DC
President Patricia McGuire of Trinity Washington University will open a panel discussion that will explore how undocumented immigrants at Catholic universities are organizing in this difficult moment. Students will share their personal stories, discuss their activism, and reflect on how this advocacy connects with their faith. All are welcome to attend!
- Free Immigration Legal Advice and Referral Clinic - September 28, 2019 at 10 AM in Washington, DC
The D.C. Bar Association Pro Bono Center's next free clinic will take place on Sat., Sept. 28th at Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School (1100 Harvard Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20009) from 10 AM to Noon. The clinic will take all walk-in clients and it will accommodate any language needs. Visit their website for more information.
- Walk for Driver's License For All - September 28, 2019 at 11:45 AM in Richmond, VA
Join Drive Virginia Forward for a walk to call on the Virginia legislature to pass legislation that would provide access to driver's licenses for immigrants living in Virginia. The passage of such legislation would improve the lives of more than 200,000 immigrants, make Virginia roads safer, and support a stronger Virginia economy. Register to walk on the event webpage.
- World Day of Migrants and Refugees Event: Keys to Asylum - September 30, 2019 at 6:30 PM in St. Louis, MO
Come and hear stories from people who have visited detention centers and shelters at the U.S.-Mexico border and discern how you can help unlock doors for migrants. Childcare will be provided and refreshments served at this event at St. Margaret of Scotland Church on 39th and Flad, St. Louis, MO 63110. See the flyer for more information.
- Open House Invitation: A Taste of Viator House - October 5, 2019 at 6 PM in Arlington Heights, IL
Grounded in the Viatorian commitment to young people, Viator House of Hospitality provides compassionate accompaniment of young adult male undocumented immigrants released from federal detention. Come learn more on Oct. 5th at 1213 Oakton St., Arlington Heights, IL 60004. RSVP is requested.
- U.S. Citizenship Workshop - October 12, 2019 at 10 AM in Chicago, IL
Irish Community Services is hosting a free citizenship workshop on Sat., Oct. 12th at 4626 N. Knox Ave., Chicago 60630. All are welcome but registration is encouraged. Please contact their office if you have any questions or would like to register.
- Hope Border Institute Teach-In 2019 - October 11-13, 2019 in El Paso, TX
The Teach-In focuses on Latino Catholic leaders and will feature workshops, leadership tools, strategy sessions, coalition building, and direct public action. Bishop Seitz of the El Paso Diocese will celebrate the concluding Mass on Sun., Oct. 13th. See website for details.
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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