‌ ‌ JFI Bi-Weekly Review - February 14th-25th, 2022 JFI Colleagues, Please see below for the latest updates from JFI. Statements, Press Releases, and News Statement: U.S. Bishops’ President Echoes Pope Francis’ Call for Prayer and Fasting for Ukraine  On February 24, 2022, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the USCCB, issued the following statement: On behalf of my brother bishops, I echo the Holy Father’s call for prayer and fasting to end the war in Ukraine. In times of trouble, we call on the tender mercy of God … to guide our feet to the way of peace (Lk 1:78-79). May our prayers, joined with those of people around the world, help guide those waging war to end the meaningless suffering and restore peace. Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us. Statement: Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) Issues Statement on Immigration Ministry In response to groups criticizing the Catholic Charities agency in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley for services provided to immigrants released from Border Patrol custody, CCUSA issued the following statement about member agencies’ work for and ministry to immigrants. The Catholic Church has been ministering to the poor for 2,000 years and Catholic Charities, the U.S. humanitarian arm of the Church, has been caring for our vulnerable sisters and brothers since 1910. In collaboration with every administration since our founding a century ago, we are on the ground doing what they can’t — caring for those who are homeless, hungry, disaster-stricken, out-of-work and suffering. Our work is humanitarian, not political, and we proudly serve both citizens and migrants in our country.  Policy Update / Actualización de Política We are thankful to the Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMS) for its weekly Migration Update. Please visit their bilingual Migration Update page to stay up-to-date on recent migration policy updates. View the February 23 CMS Migration Update, which includes: DHS Announced that All Afghan Evacuees Have Departed from the Operation Allies Welcome Bases that Temporarily Housed Them DHS Announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Updating its Guidance on the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility USCIS Announced Guidance on Informal Marriages for Derivative Refugee and Asylee Status View the February 16 CMS Migration Update, which includes: USCIS Updates Policy Guidance for VAWA Self-Petitions USCIS Announces Its New Mission Statement USCIS Updates Guidelines on Maximum Validity Periods for New EADs for Certain Applicants Federal District Court Decision Restores Access to EADs for Many Asylum Seekers Agradecemos al Centro de Estudios de Migración de Nueva York (CMS por sus siglas en inglés) por su Actualización de Migración semanal. Visite su página bilingüe de Actualización de Migración para mantenerse al día sobre las actualizaciones recientes de la política de migración. Ver la Actualización de Migración del CMS 23 del febrero, que incluye: El DHS anunció que todos los afganos evacuados han salido de las bases de la Operación Aliados Bienvenidos que los alojaron temporalmente El DHS ha anunciado una propuesta de reglamento que actualiza sus directrices sobre la causa de inadmisibilidad por carga pública USCIS anunció una guía sobre los matrimonios informales para el estatus de refugiado y asilado derivado Ver la Actualización de Migración del CMS 16 del febrero, que incluye: USCIS actualiza la orientación política de para auto-peticiones de VAWA USCIS anuncia su nueva declaración de objetivos USCIS actualiza las directrices sobre los períodos máximos de validez de los nuevos EAD para ciertos solicitantes La decisión del Tribunal Federal de Distrito restablece el acceso a los EAD para muchos solicitantes de asilo Notable New Publications, Reports, Films, Articles, Etc. Bridging Refugee Youth and Children Services (BRYCS): Raising Children in a New Country Illustrated Handbook in Refugee Languages Help newcomer parents get the basic information they need about US laws and parenting practices. Although newcomers may find this booklet useful by itself, it is primarily intended for case managers and other service providers to use together with their refugee and immigrant clients. This booklet is targeted to those with low levels of English proficiency and/or low literacy levels. Since the often-complex concepts illustrated here are necessarily simplified, the resource section provides easy-to-access information for service providers to supplement the basic points in this booklet. This resource is available in English, Arabic, Dari, French, Pashto, Somali, and Spanish. Archdiocese of Chicago - National Pastoral Migratoria: Lent Lamentation Prayer Service for Immigrants and Refugees (en Español) and The 2022 Lenten Calendar (en Español) National Pastoral Migratoria is providing the calendar to guide your prayer, fasting and actions each day of Lent, along with a Lent Lamentation Prayer Service for Immigrants and Refugees for use by your parish, community, or family. Hope Border Institute and the Root Causes Initiative: Year 1 Assessment of Biden-Harris Root Causes Strategy One year after the announcement of the Biden-Harris administration’s strategy to address the drivers of migration from Central America and humanely manage migration at the U.S.-Mexico border, the Root Causes Initiative, a coalition of grassroots and faith-based organizations in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico and the U.S. has released a comprehensive report on the administration’s actions and progress. National Immigration Forum: Welcoming Afghans Across America (Interactive Map) Since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan last August, tens of thousands of Afghans have been evacuated to the U.S. in pursuit of safety from Taliban rule. The challenges of relocating and resettling families who have had their lives uprooted are immense. From securing affordable housing to navigating school enrollment to furnishing homes, helping Afghans rebuild their lives is an all-hands-on-deck effort. Across the country, communities, organizations, and faith groups – including Catholic parishes and church-led agencies – have stepped up to welcome and support newly arrived Afghans. From pizza parties to business coalitions, these aren’t rare stories. Instead, they illustrate the incredible scope of support for Afghans, offering a reminder of our capacity to welcome. Explore our map of local welcome below. Other Upcoming Events, Opportunities, and Resources Archdiocese of Seattle Inclusion Ministry Virtual Event: You Are My Friend, February 26, 2022, at 10 AM PT. Join us for an hour of fun, fellowship, and maybe even some dancing! Be sure to wear your silliest shirt! St. Vincent de Paul In-Person Event: Respite With Jesus, February 26, 2022, at 7 PM. For folks in the Austing, TX-area: For caregivers of children with disabilities, learning differences and chronic health conditions, this evening is a chance for taking a break from being "on" to welcoming quiet and stillness through adoration, a chance for reflection through praise and worship and time for fellowship with others in similar situations and nourishment of food. RSVP to reserve your space. 5th Annual Refugee and Mental Health Conference (Virtual), March 3, 2022. This conference will bring together refugee leaders, social service providers, mental health clinicians, students, and refugee advocates from across the world. This year’s theme is Recovery, Resilience, & Renewal: Hope and Healing in Challenging Times. The conference will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and opportunities for networking throughout the day. Hear directly from refugee leaders and experts in a variety of fields, network with others passionate about serving refugees, and learn new tools and strategies to take back to your community. Register to join. In-Person Event at the Marian Shrine at Stony Point, NY: A Day of Healing, March 5, 2022. The Day of Healing includes lunch, prayer and praise in various conversations. Register today and view the full poster! Free CLINIC Webinar: All About DOJ Recognition and Accreditation, March 8, 2022 at 2 PM ET. Join CLINIC staff for this comprehensive webinar presentation on DOJ recognition and accreditation. We will discuss how to apply for initial recognition and accreditation; renewal of recognition and accreditation; and extension of recognition. We will also discuss how to comply with the requirements for reporting, record keeping, and posting after obtaining recognition. Participants will receive tips for a successful application, learn about the latest trends and developments in R&A that we have seen in CLINIC’s network, and have an opportunity to ask questions. Pre-registration required. Catholic Charities of Central Colorado Annual Fundraising Event: St. Pat’s Gala, March 12, 2022. It’s been three years since we could come together in celebration of this life-changing mission. We are excited to see everyone in person for a night of dinner, dancing, and celebrating the vision of Catholic Charities: transforming lives through relationships that build individual resiliency and thriving communities. Learn more and RSVP. In Solidarity, 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. USCCB | 3211 Fourth Street NE, Washington, DC 20017 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!