SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

Weekend Reading

Dear John,

Migrants should be welcomed with dignity, respect, and compassion—not turned away or treated inhumanely. But since 2020, a federal policy known as Title 42 has blocked hundreds of thousands of migrants from seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. Now the Biden administration wants to expand this cruel policy to turn away migrants from Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba—three countries that had been exempt from Title 42.

Sign our petition: Tell President Biden to end Title 42 and restore the right to asylum! [link removed]

Here are this week's picks to inform and support your activism:

Ensuring incarcerated people and their loved ones can stay connected: People in prisons, jails, and detention centers have long had to pay unjust phone rates to communicate with loved ones. These high costs have serious impacts—making it harder for people to speak with their families as well as legal counsel. This week, AFSC and dozens of organizations called on Congress to pass legislation to finally end these predatory rates. Read the press release [link removed] and letter to Congress [link removed] .

Flying migrants to Martha’s Vineyard is ‘another form of family separation’: [link removed] Advocates spoke out against political stunts by governors who have sent migrants to cities around the United States. Many migrants face danger on their journey, only to be met with animosity once they reach the U.S., says AFSC’s Pedro Rios. “All local and state jurisdictions have the obligation to welcome migrants and asylum seekers with measures that uplift their dignity, that prioritize their emotional, mental, and physical integrity.” (Business Insider)

Tell Congress: Fund the government—without harming people or the planet: [link removed] Thank you to everyone who contacted Congress this week to pass a stopgap measure to ensure continued funding for the federal government and meet human needs. Elected officials must also say NO to more taxpayer dollars for fossil fuel projects, weapons of war, and other things that harm community members. If you haven’t already, take action today! [link removed]

Community leaders call on Biden administration to expand Temporary Protected Status: [link removed] Earlier this week, AFSC joined with partners and community members in South Florida to highlight humanitarian crises in Central America. They urged the Biden administration to expand TPS to protect from deportation people from Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. (NBC 10)

Throughout the year, supporters like you make possible our work for a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future. Our fiscal year ends Sept. 30—and we are preparing for the challenges ahead. If you have the means, please make a gift to help fund our worldwide work in the year ahead [link removed] .

Be well and take care



American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
United States

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