Justice for Immigrants Colleagues,
Please see below for the latest updates from JFI.
USCCB/CRS Statement on Asylum
On Monday, November 18, the Trump Administration published two interim final notices in the Federal Register to implement "asylum cooperative agreements" with Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. The rules would allow the U.S. government to send asylum seekers to the three Central American countries without the opportunity to access asylum in the United States and require the countries to adjudicate asylum claims and attempt to provide protection. In response, Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, auxiliary bishop of Washington and Chairman of the Committee on Migration for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Sean Callahan, President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), issued a statement. For more information on asylum, please see our backgrounder on the Justice for Immigrants website. NEW RESOURCE! The Difference between Refugees and Asylees
While refugees and asylees represent similar populations, it is important to identify and clarify the differences between the processes and procedures that are currently in place to provide protections and support for these different groups. In an effort to help you to better appreciate these differences, we have developed a backgrounder that will clarify common misunderstandings. Please use this tool to ensure you inform lawmakers about the difference between refugees and asylees.
The Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 12, 2019 is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. She is Mexico's patron saint, Patron of the Americas, and a symbol of love and strength for Latin Americans and believers across the world. Our Lady of Guadalupe provides an opportunity to reflect on the current migration situation, educate others on Church teaching related to this phenomenon. We ask that you consider celebrating this celebration in your local diocese, parish, or school. To help in this process, please see the JFI toolkit developed for this occasion.
National Migration Week 2020
The Catholic Church will be celebrating National Migration Week from January 5 - 11, 2020. The theme for this year's celebration is "Promoting a Church and a World for All," which reflects the need for Catholics to be inclusive and welcoming to all our brothers and sisters. Please visit the Justice for Immigrants' webpage for an updated NMW toolkit, which will provide helpful tips and suggestions for the week. Also, take a moment to watch the NMW 2020 webinar, which provides examples of diocesan engagement for this celebration.
Upcoming Webinar: State Level Advocacy Project
Please join us for this upcoming webinar to learn how you can further engage in state level advocacy to help welcome and protect refugees! To login to the webinar, please follow this link.
Fee Waiver Webinar
On November 8, 2019, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released its proposal to adjust certain immigration benefit fees including naturalization, family-based petitions, adjustment of status, and travel documents. While the biennial fee review has been expected, the proposed changes include new fees for asylum applications and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals renewals that are garnering broad opposition. On December 4th JFI hosted a webinar in partnership with CLINIC that highlighted some of the issues and concerns. Please see the webinar on the JFI website, along with the accompanying slides.
Refugee Update
Pursuant to Executive Order 13888 Department of State is requiring the resettlement agencies to secure consent letters from governors and local officials. See FAQ on Executive Order 13888 here. The resettlement agencies are working together on this effort, and local Catholic Charities partners, often supported by State Catholic Conferences, are taking the lead in 11 states and 26 localities . USCCB/MRS is providing webinars, conference calls, and one-on-one consultations to Catholic partners engaged in this advocacy.
Meanwhile, HIAS, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, and Church World Service have sued the Administration in federal court charging that EO 13888 violates the US Constitution, Refugee Act of 1980, and the Administrative Procedures Act. See press release, here and the complaint, here. There is a pending request for a preliminary injunction. Oral arguments for it are scheduled for 10 am, Wednesday, January 8, 2020, and, reportedly, the judge will rule on the injunction by January 17. Even with litigation, USCCB/MRS and all resettlement agencies and their affiliates are continuing to pursue "consent" as required by EO 13888.
NOTICE: Justice for Immigrants National Call: Monday December 9, 2019 at 2-3 PM Eastern
Please mark on your calendars and join us for the next JFI national call on Monday, December 9, 2019 at 2-3 PM Eastern. You can access the discussion by calling in at 1-800-446-1162; Passcode: 106181.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- Catholic Legal Services, Archdiocese of Miami - Symposium on Human Rights and Asylum Advocacy - December 12, 2019, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM. The Catholic Legal Services of the Archdiocese of Miami will be hosting a symposium that examines recent human rights and asylum advocacy. You can register for the event here.
- Archdiocese of Chicago - Annual Posada - December 13, 7:00 - 9:00 AM. The Archdiocese of Chicago will be holding its annual posada as an opportunity to walk and pray in solidarity with our immigrant sisters and brothers who - as the Holy Family sought a place to stay - are seeking legislative shelter, "Posada."
- The Archdiocese of Washington, DC - Walk with Mary - December 14, 11:30 - 4:30. The Archdiocese of Washington's annual Walk with Mary procession and Mass to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, with the theme "Under Her Mantle."
- The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego - Annual Posada - December 14, 2:30 - 4:00 pm at the Border Field State Park Friendship Park. Join the Diocese of San Diego for their annual Posada. Please see their website for more information on the event.
- Catholic Social Ministry Gathering (CSMG) - January 25-28, 2020 in Washington, DC. Join the annual gathering of national Catholic organizations that brings together leaders in Catholic social ministry from across the U.S. To register or for more information, visit the CSMG website.
In Solidarity,
Todd Scribner
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