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JFI Week in Review - May 3rd - 7th, 2021
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Justice for Immigrants Colleagues,
Please see below for the latest updates from JFI.
Sección en español de la Semana en Revisión
El Presidente del Comité de Migración de la USCCB Da la Bienvenida al Límite de
Refugiados Revisado
El 3 de mayo de 2021, la Administración de Biden anunci [[link removed]]ó
[[link removed]]
que aumentar [[link removed]]á
[[link removed]]
el número de refugiados que pueden ser reasentados en los Estados Unidos durante
el año fiscal actual a 62.500. En respuesta al anuncio, el obispo Mario Dorsonville,
obispo auxiliar de Washington y presidente del Comité de Migración de la USCCB,
emitió una declaraci [[link removed]]ó
[[link removed]]n
[[link removed]]
diciendo, "El límite actualizado de admisión de refugiados es un paso en la dirección
correcta para ayudar a quienes más lo necesitan."
RECURSO NUEVO: Consideraciones Morales y Políticas Relacionadas con la Vacuna Contra
el COVID-19
La USCCB/MRS ha creado un recurso nuevo que analiza algunas de las consideraciones
morales y políticas relacionadas con la vacuna contra el COVID-19, con un enfoque
particular en la comunidad hispanohablante. De particular interés es si es lícito
o no recibir la vacuna dada su conexión con el aborto y preocupaciones relacionadas
con lo que el gobierno federal hará con cualquier información personal recopilada
durante el curso de la vacunación. Este recurso está disponible en espa [[link removed]]ñ
[[link removed]]ol
[[link removed]]
e ingl [[link removed]]é
[[link removed]]s
[[link removed]].
¿Tiene actualizaciones o recursos en español que desea compartir? Favor de enviarlos
a Sarah Hoff [mailto:[email protected]] y nosotros los promovemos.
English Language Section
U.S. Bishops' Migration Chairman Welcomes Revised Refugee Admissions Cap
On May 3, 2021, the Biden Administration announced [[link removed]]
that it will increase [[link removed]]
the number of refugees who can be resettled in the United States during the current
fiscal year to 62,500. In response to the announcement, Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville,
auxiliary bishop of Washington and chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Migration,
issued a statement [[link removed]],
saying, "The updated refugee admissions cap is a step in the right direction to
help those who need it most."
Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations
The The House Appropriations Committee and its subcommittees are expected [[link removed]]
to mark up the 12 spending bills that will fund the federal government for Fiscal
Year (FY) 2022 in June; floor passage will likely occur in July. The timeline in
the Senate is less certain. As Congress undertakes the annual appropriations process,
Bishop Dorsonville sent a letter [[link removed]]
to legislators on behalf of the USCCB's Committee on Migration, which outlines the
Committee's funding priorities for programs that are crucial for immigrants, refugees,
asylees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied children, survivors of torture, and victims
of human trafficking. This includes support for more immigration judges, increased
funding for the Legal Orientation Program, and the establishment of a Refugee and
Entrant Assistance (REA) Contingency Fund.
Infrastructure Package: American Jobs Plan
At the end of March, President Biden announced his proposed infrastructure package,
known as the American Jobs Plan [[link removed]].
On April 22, 2021, Bishop Dorsonville, along with the chairmen of other USCCB committees,
sent a letter [[link removed]]
to members of Congress highlighting a variety of policies that could be included
in legislation on infrastructure. The section related to migrants and refugees
urges a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and
Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders, undocumented essential workers, and unauthorized
agricultural workers, among other requests. Reconciliation-a budgetary tool requiring
only a simple majority in the Senate, so long as certain other requirements are
met-is being considered as a means of passing the American Jobs Plan. Reconciliation
was the same mechanism used to pass the American Rescue Plan in March.
Other Congressional Updates
On April 21, 2021, the House passed H.R. 1333, the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination
for Nonimmigrants Act (NO BAN Act), and H.R. 1573, the Access to Counsel Act of
2021. The USCCB supported [[link removed]]
both of these bills, which have been sent to the Senate for consideration.
USCCB/MRS recently joined other organizations, including the National Immigration
Forum and New American Economy, in a letter [[link removed]]
to senators on the need to pass legislation related to Dreamers, TPS holders, and
agricultural workers. This follows bipartisan passage of H.R. 6, the American Dream
and Promise Act, and H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, by the House
in March, both of which were endorsed [[link removed]]
by the USCCB.
Update on Unaccompanied Children
Over the last few weeks, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reported a significant
[[link removed]]
drop in the number of unaccompanied children in its custody. Secretary of Homeland
Security Alejandro Mayorkas has also stated that the average time children are spending
in CBP custody before being transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS) has gone from an average of 130 hours to 20.
As of May 4, 2021, there are 22,174 unaccompanied children in HHS custody. This
week, the agency announced that it would be evaluating the American Hebrew Academy
in Greensboro, NC as a potential site for a new temporary influx facility.
Catholics Encouraged to Mark National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Mariners
and People of the Sea on May 22
Bishop Brendan J. Cahill of Victoria, Texas, episcopal promoter of Stella Maris
[[link removed]]
in the United States, is encouraging dioceses to mark the National Day of Prayer
and Remembrance for Mariners and People of the Sea on May 22, 2021. The day is
intended to remember the men and women seafarers.
National Maritime Day is also commemorated on May 22 as an opportunity to recognize
the hardworking men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine, seafarers, fishers, port
personnel, and all who work or travel on the high seas for the vital services they
provide in support of our nation's economic well-being and national security. To
mark National Maritime Day, the national Stella Maris office is hosting a virtual
prayer service on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at 8 PM ET; please register [[link removed]]
here [[link removed]]
.
Across the world, seafarers have often been trapped on ships at sea and unable to
return home because of the ongoing health crisis, and there have also been many
crews at home unable to work due to the restrictions of the pandemic. A significant
number are suffering from depression, suicides are on the rise, and many are working
extended hours beyond what is typically considered safe or being forced to work
without contracts. Many seafarers are Catholic Christians and largely a migrant
population. Because of the nature of their work, they also do not always have a
visible community presence.
In over 50 ports, there are more than 100 Stella Maris chaplains, maritime deacons,
and lay ecclesial ministers who minister to seafarers. They welcome, network, and
reach out to seafarers, fisherman and fisherwomen, their families, and all who work
or travel on the seas. Through the celebration of the Eucharist and the Word of
God, the chaplaincy team helps seafarers discover the loving presence of God in
an often-challenging world. Their continued presence is a clear indication of their
dedication to this vital pastoral ministry and love for the people of the sea.
NEW RESOURCE: Moral and Political Considerations Related to the COVID-19 Vaccine
USCCB/MRS has released a new resource that addresses some of the moral and political
concerns related to the COVID-19 vaccine, with a particular focus on Spanish-speaking
populations. Of particular concern is whether or not it is licit to receive the
vaccine, given its connection to abortion and concerns related to what the federal
government will do with any personal information gathered during the course of the
vaccination. These resources are available in both English [[link removed]]and
Spanish [[link removed]].
Upcoming Events and Opportunities

* Centreville (VA) Immigration Forum: Contributions Needed for a Community Celebration,
May 7 and 8, 2021. Each year, we honor the women in our community on Mother's Day.
We are collecting donations of chocolates and gift cards on Friday, May 7, and Saturday,
May 8. Please see our website [[link removed]]
for more information.
* Catholic Labor Network Event: Rerum Novarum at 130, May 12, 2021 at 2 PM ET. This
month marks the 130th anniversary of Rerum Novarum, the foundational text of modern
Catholic social teaching. After careful study of the industrial era economy and
its impact on workers, in light of the Good News, Pope Leo XIII shared his new encyclical
with the world on May 15, 1891. The Catholic Labor Network will mark this anniversary
with a special online presentation. Join us [[link removed]]!
* Invitation: Help Shape the USCIS Applicant Online Experience. USCIS wants to hear
from applicants and representatives to gather feedback on their experiences applying
for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). We will host one-hour sessions to learn how
we can create a better user experience for submitting Form I-821, Application for
TPS, online. To participate, you must:
- Currently be in the United States;
- Be at least 18-years-old; and
- Be either (a) an applicant who has previously submitted Form I-821 or (b)
planning to submit Form I-821 at a later date or (c) a representative who has
previously assisted an applicant in preparing Form I-821.
Participation is voluntary and will not affect the outcome of any pending case you
may have. We will not request any case-specific information as part of this study.
Please send an email [mailto:[email protected]] with a subject line
of "Temporary Protected Status Feedback Session."

* FREE COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics in Pierce County, WA, May 2021. Call (253) 383-3900
or (253) 590-7457 to schedule your appointment.
- Friday, May 7, 10-3 PM (first dose of Moderna or Johnson and Johnson)
- Wednesday, May 12, 10-2 PM (Johnson and Johnson, only one dose)
- Tuesday, May 18, 3-8 PM (second dose of Moderna)
- Wednesday, May 19, 3-8 PM (second dose of Moderna).

* Nominations for Pax Christi USA's 2021 Teacher of Peace Award Due June 1, 2021.
This award is a recognition of women and men whose lives and work exemplify the
theme of Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message, "To reach peace, teach peace."
See award and nomination details on Pax Christi USA's website [[link removed]].

* HHS/ORR Grant: Refugee Career Pathways (RCP) Program. Deadline is June 1, 2021.
The RCP Program will provide funding to implement projects assisting refugees to
qualify for licenses and certifications necessary to attain employment and improve
self-sufficiency. See the announcement [[link removed]]
for details and to apply.
* New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) Virtual Celebration: 2021 Immigrant Power
Gala, June 8, 2021. Join Mario Russell, NYIC board member and director of Immigrant
and Refugee Services of Catholic Charities-New York, to celebrate and support the
resiliency of New York's immigrant community amidst this pandemic. Register [[link removed]]
today.
Happy Mother's Day,
Tony Cube
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3211 Fourth Street, NE Washington, DC 20017
Phone: (202) 541-3165 Fax: (202) 722-8711
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