• The annual feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita, has been designated a world day of prayer, reflection, and action against human trafficking. The theme for the 2022 World Day of Prayer is “The Power of Care: Women, Economics, Human Trafficking.” Visit the International Day of Prayer website for more information and updates including: background on the day and on human trafficking; graphics, social media banners, and posters to download; and an invitation to join the prayer campaign.

• U.S. Catholic Sisters against Human Trafficking (USCSAHT) have prepared a trafficking prevention Toolkit 2022 with all kinds of valuable resource to use with February 8th celebrations and in working to end human trafficking throughout the year. The kit includes: information about human trafficking and how to end it; prayer and faith resources; social media shareables; and a host of additional resources. Consider becoming a member so that you can keep on top of new developments in this field.

• See the Anti-Trafficking page of the JFI website. We encourage you to access our existing resources and learn more about what we will be working on moving forward.

• Pray to end human trafficking.

• Please let us know if you are celebrating the feast day in any special way or if you have ideas for resources that might help you in the fight against human trafficking.

• DHS Now Requires Foreign Nationals Entering the United States through Land Ports and Ferry Terminals to Be Fully Vaccinated against COVID-19
• DHS Expands Opportunities in the United States for Noncitizen STEM Professionals
• The Seventh Circuit Ruled that Illinois Counties Must Stop Housing Immigrant Detainees at Local Jails and Terminate Their Contracts with ICE

• DOS Restarted Refugee Admissions after a Temporary Pause in November 2021
• EOIR Postponed Certain Immigration Court Hearings Due to a Surge in COVID-19 Cases
• Senate Democrats Request TPS Designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala

• El DHS Exige Ahora que los Extranjeros que Entren en Estados Unidos por Puertos Terrestres y Terminales de Transbordadores Estén Completamente Vacunados contra el COVID-19
• El DHS Amplía las Oportunidades en Estados Unidos para los Profesionales STEM No Ciudadanos
• El Séptimo Circuito Dictaminó que los Condados de Illinois Deben Dejar de Alojar a los Inmigrantes Detenidos en las Cárceles Locales y Rescindir Sus Contratos con ICE

• El DOS Reanudó las Admisiones de Refugiados Tras una Pausa Temporal en Noviembre de 2021
• ​​EOIR Pospuso Ciertas Audiencias de la Corte de Inmigración Debido a un Aumento en los Casos de COVID-19
• Los Demócratas del Senado Solicitan Designaciones de TPS para El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua y Guatemala

• Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure Designations and Decision Dates. This resource helps advocates track upcoming TPS decision dates, number of TPS holders per country, key historical information, and more.

• Policy Brief: The Human Consequences of USCIS Policies and Backlogs on Religious Workers and the Communities They Serve. This resource outlines recommendations to ensure that essential religious workers are not taken out of service during the pandemic due to backlogs and other issues at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

• WE ARE EAGLES: Inspiring Stories Of Immigrant Women Who Took Bold Steps In Life Through Literacy. The inspiring stories are of immigrant women who left behind poverty and gained confidence and strength as they learned about life through a new language at the Dominican Literacy Center in the Chicago area (link courtesy of Florida Catholic Media).

• Center for Migration Studies Webinar: Immigrants’ Use of New York City Programs, Services, and Benefits: Examining the Impact of Fear and Other Barriers to Access, January 31, 2022 at 2 PM ET. Join the Center for Migration Studies(CMS) for a webinar that focuses on a report based on CMS-based research that examined immigrant fear and other barriers in three general areas: the use of public benefits, with a particular focus on the public charge rule; the use of public health services; and access to law enforcement and the courts. It documents how Trump-era immigration policies perpetuated fear among immigrant communities, in the context of other barriers to access services and benefits, and why its detrimental impacts have persisted and outlived that administration. Register here.

• CLINIC Webinar: How to Apply for Full DOJ Accreditation, February 2, 2022, at 1 PM ET. Join CLINIC staff for this informative webinar on how you can expand access to removal defense representation in your community by obtaining DOJ full accreditation for your partially accredited staff. We will discuss the eligibility requirements for full accreditation and how it differs from partial; the process of preparing for full accreditation with training and mentoring; elements of a strong application; the adjudication process; and next steps after approval. We will also provide resources for additional information and tips for getting started. Register today.

• Reminder: Webinar on Climate Change and Migration, February 3, 2022, from 7 PM ET. The Interreligious Eco-Justice Network invites you to the webinar, Climate Change & Migration: Why Do People Leave the Homes They Love?, that will focus on how climate change exacerbates conflict, violence, and famine, creating both internal migration and immigration crises. The panelists will be Ali Noorani, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum and Tabitha Sookdeo of Sookdeo Consulting, a climate and immigration activist who has worked to settle refugees in America. Sponsored by Interreligious Eco-Justice Network and the Hartford International University. The webinar is free but please register in advance.

• Catholic Labor Network Annual Meeting (via Zoom), February 5, 2022, at 3 PM ET. Those seeking membership in the Catholic Labor Network are welcome to the Catholic Labor Network Annual Meeting to hear about our recent accomplishments and upcoming plans. There will be a report on our 2021 activities, a presentation by leaders of our Maryland Catholic Labor Network chapter, and election of new officers. Email Clayton Sinyai for more information.

• Catholic Charities USA Webinar: Walking With People Toward Healing, February 9, 2022, at 3 PM ET. Join a panel of experts for this webinar as they discuss the following topics: Overcoming the stigma of seeking help for mental illness; how to recognize the signs of mental health distress; ways to respond when someone turns to you; how to refer a person for help; and resources for mental health ministry. This webinar is co-sponsored by CCUSA, Catholics for Family Peace Initiative on Domestic Abuse, and the National Catholic Partnership on Disability. Registration required.

• Seeking Salesian Lay Minister for Marian Shrine in Stony Point, NY. Located in the Hudson River Valley, the Marian Shrine, a ministry of the Salesians of Don Bosco, offers people of all ages, especially young people, opportunities to deepen their relationship with God. We emphasize devotion to Mary Help of Christians and the pastoral style of St. John Bosco and his Oratory in our apostolic endeavors. We are seeking a full-time Salesian Lay Missioner to young adults. Room and board is included for a 1-2 year commitment. Contact Fr. Dennis Donovan for more information.

• Justice For Our Neighbors - Tennessee has FREE legal clinics to help the 500+ Afghan refugees and asylum seekers arriving in Nashville. Visit JFON - Tennessee’s website for more information.