JFI Week in Review - May 3rd - 7th, 2021

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 anunció que aumentará 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 declaración 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 español e inglés.

¿Tiene actualizaciones o recursos en español que desea compartir? Favor de enviarlos a Sarah Hoff 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 that it will increase 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, 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 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 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. On April 22, 2021, Bishop Dorsonville, along with the chairmen of other USCCB committees, sent a letter 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 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 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 by the USCCB.

Update on Unaccompanied Children

Over the last few weeks, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reported a significant 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 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 here .

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 and Spanish.

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 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!
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 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.

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 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 today.