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JFI Week in Review - October 4th-8th, 2021

JFI Colleagues,

Please see below for the latest updates from the JFI Campaign.

Congress Passes Fiscal Year 2022 Continuing Resolution with Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations Act

On September 30, 2021, the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (H.R. 5305), a continuing resolution (CR), was enacted into law. The CR provides interim funding for the federal government until December 3, as Congress works to pass full appropriations for the new fiscal year. If Fiscal Year 2022 appropriations are not enacted into law or another CR is not passed by December 3, a partial shutdown of the federal government would ensue. In addition to supplemental funding for many government agencies, such as $250 million for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to help address backlogs and other processing issues, the CR also contained provisions related to Afghans currently being resettled in the United States through Operation Allies Welcome. Most of these Afghans are entering the country with some form of immigration parole, rather than formal refugee status. Among other things, the CR authorized this population to receive the same resettlement services and public benefits as those resettled through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. ”

Efforts Continue to Include Legalization Provisions in Budget Reconciliation Bill

While the Senate Parliamentarian has ruled that the migration-related proposals submitted thus far for inclusion in the forthcoming budget reconciliation bill do not comply with the Senate’s Byrd Rule, including most recently on September 29, alternatives continue to be considered. The USCCB also remains engaged with members of Congress on this issue. On September 23, Bishop Mario Dorsonville, chair of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration, sent a letter to congressional leadership reaffirming the U.S. bishops’ support for legislation this year that would provide legalization with a pathway to citizenship for the undocumented members of our society.

If you haven’t already, you can still view, complete, and share this JFI action alert related to the ongoing budget reconciliation efforts.

DHS Publishes Proposed Rule on DACA

On September 27, 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it would be publishing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to preserve and fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA was previously ruled to be unlawful by a federal court on July 16. The ruling included an injunction preventing DHS from granting initial DACA requests, though it is permitted to continue processing renewal requests for those already receiving protection under the program. Bishop Dorsonville issued a statement following the court’s ruling. DHS has appealed the court’s ruling, and it stated that “issuance of the NPRM does not affect the court’s order or DHS’s obligations under the order.” The NPRM includes a 60-day period during which the public can submit written comments. More information about the DACA program is available on the DHS website.

Biden Administration Granted Stay in Title 42 Case, Continues Expelling Families

On September 16, 2021, a federal district court blocked the Biden Administration from invoking the public health authority known as Title 42 against migrant families. The Administration appealed the court’s decision and was granted a stay, which allows it to continue using Title 42 to expel families while the full case is appealed. Bishop Dorsonville and Sister Donna Markham, O.P., Ph.D., president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, issued a joint statement on September 22, concluding that “policies such as Title 42 and expedited removal all too often deny the reality of forced migration, disregard the responsibilities enshrined in domestic and international law, and undermine the vulnerability of those against whom they are applied,” while also adding that they “are not hallmarks of a ‘fair, orderly, and humane’ immigration system.”

Florida Executive Order Limits Licensure of Child-Care Facilities

On September 28, 2021, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 21-223. The order, which went into effect immediately, includes a variety of provisions regarding undocumented immigrants in the state. Most notably for unaccompanied children, Governor DeSantis’ order calls on the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to determine the amount and purpose of state funds expended by the Department on undocumented individuals and to determine whether the resettlement of unaccompanied children in Florida constitutes “evidence of need” sufficient to justify the licensing of child-care agencies and child-placing agencies. Should the DCF find that there is no evidence of need, licenses will not be granted or renewed and agencies would be prohibited from accepting additional unaccompanied children. Further, the order instructs the DCF to amend the Florida Administrative Code to place conditions on the licensure of facilities housing unaccompanied minors, including in-person welfare checks of children placed with sponsors and reporting to the DCF.

This action by Governor DeSantis follows similar action taken by Texas Governor Greg Abbott earlier this year. As in that case, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), which is ultimately responsible for unaccompanied migrant children, has stated that it does not intend to terminate contracts with in-state providers or alter programs in the state of Florida at this time. USCCB/MRS is working with ORR, Florida-based agencies, and other partners to monitor the situation.

DHS Secretary Issues New Immigration Enforcement Priorities

On September 30, 2021, DHS announced new Guidelines for the Enforcement of Civil Immigration Law. Based on these guidelines, enforcement priorities for apprehension and removal will remain focused on noncitizens who “pose a threat to national security, public safety, and border security.” However, in a break from the typical categorical approach to enforcement, the guidelines now require an assessment of the individual and the totality of the facts and circumstances to ensure resources are focused most effectively on those who pose a threat. The new guidelines will become effective on November 29, 2021, at which point they will replace the interim guidance issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Tae Johnson in February 2021 and interim priorities issued by Acting DHS Director David Pekoske in January 2021.

DHS Recommits to Terminating Migrant Protection Protocols

On September 29, 2021, DHS announced that it intends to issue in the coming weeks a new memorandum terminating the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), also known as “Remain in Mexico”. While DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas previously issued a memorandum in June that terminated MPP, a federal district court vacated it and issued an injunction requiring DHS to work “in good faith” to restart the program. DHS has filed an appeal in that case, though it is currently working to comply with the injunction.

Webinar: Afghan Legal Status and Eligibility

Join the USCCB, CLINIC, and the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) on October 14, 2021, at 3 PM ET for a webinar on Afghan legal status and eligibility. CLINIC will discuss the legal status of the Afghan arrivals, including those who arrived with immigrant visas and those who have been granted humanitarian parole. Further, this webinar will discuss legal options for them moving forward, including applying for adjustment of status or asylum. MPI will review eligibility for federal services and benefits that may be available to arriving Afghan evacuees, including mainstream health and other public benefits, and issues and opportunities in assisting arriving evacuees in connecting to these services and benefits. Please register here.

Keep Hope Alive 2021:

A Virtual Benefit to Support the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Local Immigration Ministry and National Pastoral Migratoria

USCCB/MRS is thrilled to be a presenting sponsor for this year’s Keep Hope Alive virtual benefit. Please see the flyer for more information on the event and how you can be involved.

Keep Hope Alive 2021:

A Virtual Benefit to Support the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Local Immigration Ministry and National Pastoral Migratoria

USCCB/MRS is thrilled to be a presenting sponsor for this year’s Keep Hope Alive virtual benefit. Please see the flyer for more information on the event and how you can be involved.

New Documentary: “Oh Mercy”

Please take a moment to watch this short documentary featuring Sr. Norma Pimentel. Oh Mercy is a documentary film about thousands of refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers from Central America awaiting court dates and immigration hearings in the United States—many for well over a year now, with no end in sight. Increasingly desperate and discouraged, they are huddled in squalid camps and detention centers on both sides of the Rio Grande, which for several hundred miles serves as a natural border between Mexico and the United States. An accompanying discussion guide is also available.

Please check out other upcoming events, opportunities, and resources below the Spanish section.

Sección en Español

Continúan los Esfuerzos para Incluir Disposiciones de Legalización en el Proyecto de Ley de Conciliación Presupuestaria

Si bien el parlamentario del Senado ha dictaminado que las propuestas relacionadas con la migración presentadas hasta ahora para su inclusión en el próximo proyecto de ley de conciliación presupuestaria no cumplen con la Regla Byrd del Senado, incluida la más reciente el 29 de septiembre, se siguen considerando alternativas. La USCCB también sigue comprometida con los iembros del Congreso sobre este tema. El 23 de septiembre, el obispo Mario Dorsonville, presidente del Comité de Migración de la USCCB, envió una carta a los líderes del Congreso reafirmando el apoyo de los obispos estadounidenses a la legislación de este año que proporcionaría a la legalización un camino hacia la ciudadanía para los miembros indocumentados de nuestra sociedad.

Si aún no lo ha hecho, aún puede ver, completar y compartir esta alerta de acción de JFI relacionada con los esfuerzos de conciliación presupuestaria en curso.

Reserve la Fecha: Recaudación de Fondos en Línea de la Arquidiócesis de Chicago y Celebración del Ministerio de Inmigración y el Ministerio de Migración Nacional 29 de Octubre

Marque su calendario el 29 de octubre de 2021 para el evento virtual “Mantén Viva la Esperanza”, a beneficio del Ministerio de Inmigración y Pastoral Migratoria Nacional de la Arquidiócesis de Chicago, con el Cardenal Blase J. Cupich, arzobispo de Chicago. Este evento tendrá lugar a las 7:30 p.m. CST, 8:30 p.m. EST, 5:30 P.M. PST, y se llevará a cabo en línea nuevamente este año para garantizar la seguridad y el bienestar de todos. Para oportunidades de patrocinio, comuníquese con Mark Goebel al 312-534-8383 o [email protected].

¿Tiene actualizaciones o recursos en español que desea compartir?

Favor de enviarlos a Celina Marquez y nosotros los promovemos.

Other Upcoming Events, Opportunities, and Resources

Marian Shrine in Stony Point, NY, to Welcome Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, October 9, 2021. Eucharistic Adoration will begin at 1:30 PM at the Mary Help of Christians Outdoor Altar. During the Eucharistic Procession, the Our Lady of the Rosary Statue (the tallest statue of Mary in the U.S.) will be moved to where attendees will recite the Rosary. Email Fr. Steve Shafran, SDB, for more information.

Catholic Charities USA Webinar: Unaccompanied Children in 2021: Serving Immigrant and Refugee Youth, October 14, 2021, at 2 PM ET. This webinar will provide details on who unaccompanied children are and where they come from, factors driving their migration, and the challenges they face once they arrive in the U.S. Participants will learn more about the recent surge in migrant children crossing the U.S.-Mexico border and the implications this has had on their care prior to reunifying with a sponsor or being placed in long-term foster care. We will also consider the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this population and the ways this has affected the services provided to youth as well as their experience in their new communities. Registration required.

Center for Migration Studies (CMS) 2021 Virtual Gala, October 14, 2021, at 7 PM ET. CMS is pleased to announce the honorees for its 2021 Virtual Gala. Please join us as we celebrate these exceptional leaders, including Randy McGrorty, founder and executive director of Catholic Legal Services, Archdiocese of Miami, and Myriam Mezadieu, founder and chief operating officer of Catholic Legal Services, Archdiocese of Miami. This event is free, but pre-registration is requested.

Centreville, VA, Immigration Forum Online Event: On the Job, October 15, 2021, at 8 PM ET. Register to join us for this free, online, bilingual (English and Spanish) event highlighting the programs and services of Centreville Immigration Forum and the community with which we work. / Regístrese para unirse a nosotros en este evento gratuito, en línea y bilingüe (inglés y español) que destaca los programas y servicios del Foro de Inmigración de Centerville y la comunidad con la que trabajamos.

Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice, October 16, 2021. In 2021, the Ignatian Family Teach-In is not one but TWO conferences complete with unique lineups and ways to engage! Join virtually on October 16, in-person in November in Washington, D.C., or both! No matter how you join, you’ll imagine a path forward with the Ignatian family as we put faith into action to build a more just world. Learn more and register.

Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice, October 16, 2021. In 2021, the Ignatian Family Teach-In is not one but TWO conferences complete with unique lineups and ways to engage! Join virtually on October 16, in-person in November in Washington, D.C., or both! No matter how you join, you’ll imagine a path forward with the Ignatian family as we put faith into action to build a more just world. Learn more and register.

Circle Keeping Training, October 13-16, 2021, in Chicago. Peacemaking circles are a foundational restorative practice that can bring about healing among people and relationships impacted by crime and conflict. They can also be useful processes for community building, trauma healing, and reintegration. In the Circle Keeper Training with the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, participants will acquire knowledge, skills, and experience to facilitate peacemaking circles in their parishes, ministries, and communities. Learn more and register for this training.

U.S. Catholic Mission Association Virtual Conference and Dialogue: Angels Unaware - Mission With People on the Move, October 25-29, 2021. Join JRS/USA legal expert, Mike Gallagher, SJ, at this virtual conference. Alongside the U.S. Catholic Mission Association, the gathering will connect migration and the ways the Church can help envision more hospitable communities. Get more information and register for the conference.

Have a great holiday weekend,

Tony Cube

Stay Connected

Visit the JFI website to learn about us, read policy recommendations and letters to Congress, find materials for your parish, get advocacy resources, access previously recorded webinars, and more! Send us an email to get connected.