Justice for Immigrants Colleagues,
Please see below for the latest updates from JFI.
National Migration Week 2020
This week we celebrate National Migration Week (NMW) 2020, which provides an opportunity for the Church to reflect on the migration question and how Catholics can respond to the needs of migrant communities and unite in prayer to accompany and welcome them. Please see this year's NMW press release issued by Bishop Mario Dorsonville, of Washington DC. A number of Bishops have issued statements or messages and even a podcast in observance of NMW, and dioceses, parishes and religious communities have held events or Masses in celebration. Other NMW events are planned for this weekend (see some below). Please send photos and news stories about your NMW events to [email protected] Thank you for making this a successful National Migration Week 2020!
Refugee Updates
State and Local Consent on Refugee Resettlement
The nine national resettlement agencies (RAs), including USCCB/MRS, are working hard to secure consent to resettlement pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 13888. There continues to be a bi-partisan response by governors, with 42 governors so far consenting, including 19 Republicans and 23 Democrats (see map here). An estimate of consenting County Executives (or equivalent) to date is 120. The 9 RAs will be submitting their applications for funding of initial resettlement services to the Department of State on January 21, 2020. While consent can continue to be submitted after January 21, 2020, delayed consent could severely hamper the planning for refugee arrivals for the next year. As such, we urge consent as soon as possible. As of June 2020, resettlement will be allowed only in areas where there is the consent of the relevant Governor and County Executive. We anticipate that, with limited exception, funding will go to resettlement agencies in counties and states where consent has been given.
U.S. 8th District Court Hearing on EO 13888
On January 8, 2020, a U.S. District Court in Maryland heard oral arguments on whether there should be a preliminary injunction, or pause, halting the implementation of EO 13888, until the court can determine whether the EO is consistent with the U.S. Constitution, the Refugee Act of 1980, and current refugee regulations. The court will issue its decision on January 17, 2020. If an injunction is granted, it will halt, in whole or part, the aspects of the EO that are likely to be found unlawful and that would cause irreparable harm if implemented.
JFI Members, Sister Marie Lucey, of Franciscan Advocacy Network, and Scott Wright, of Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach, attended the hearing and spoke in support of the
lawsuit. Also, see the
complaint of the case brought by IRAP, HIAS, CWS, and LIRS and the
amicus filed by Catholic Charities USA, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, and the General Milwaukee Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.
Appropriations Update
As forecasted in the previous update, the President signed into law appropriations for the remainder of FY 2020. The newly signed agreement will fund the entire federal government until September 30, 2020. It is reported that the White House's Office of Management and Budget will release the President's FY 2021 budget in early to mid-February 2020.
New Backgrounder on Family Reunification Services for Unaccompanied Children
JFI has created a new backgrounder detailing the family reunification services, including home studies and post-release services, that are available to qualifying unaccompanied children. Family reunification services promote the safety, stability, and well-being of unaccompanied children released to sponsors from ORR custody while they wait to go through their immigration court proceedings. Read about the importance of these services here.
Anti-Trafficking Resources Now Up on JFI
Starting on January 8th, the Justice for Immigrants website will now be including anti-trafficking resources. Learn more
here!
Reminder: January 15, 2020 at 2 PM EST - 1st Justice for Immigrants National Call of 2020
Please mark on your calendars and join us for the JFI national call on January 15, 2020 at 2 PM Eastern. Bishop Mario Dorsonville of the Archdiocese of Washington, DC and the new chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration will speak on the call. Please see information for joining the JFI national call in a separate email.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- National Migration Week Potluck Supper - January 10, 2020 at 6:30 PM in Haddon Township, NJ - In the spirit of NMW 2020, the Camden Diocese invites you to a potluck supper to learn and share the experiences of what it means to be an immigrant today on Fri. Jan. 10th at 6:30 PM at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish (McDaid Hall, 50 Virginia Ave, Haddon Township). Please RSVP to attend.
- Catholic Coalition for Immigrants and Refugees Quarterly Meeting - January 11, 2020 at 10 AM in Philadelphia, PA - The first 2020 meeting of the coalition will be at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center, 222 N. 17th St., Philadelphia 19103. Come hear guest speaker Sr. Carol Zinn, SSJ speak about "Promoting a Church and a World for All."
- Interfaith Prayer Service: Becoming a Community of Hope - January 12, 2020 at 4 PM in Chicago, IL - Join sisters and brothers of immigrants, at the end of Migration Week, as we reflect on sharing our journey with prayer, song, and reflections by members of diverse faiths and populations. Service and reception at St. Viator Church, 4170 W. Addison, Ave, Chicago 60641. Email Brother Micheal Gosh for more information.
- Immigration Solidarity Conversation - January 12, 2020 at 9 AM in Saint Paul, MN - How do we as a parish continue to support and advocate for Immigration Solidarity as called by the Gospel and Catholic Social teaching? Join us for this discussion at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church, 1079 Summit Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55105! All are welcome!
- Immigration Legal Clinic - January 16, 2020 at 3:30 PM in Chicago, IL - Do you have immigration questions? Attend Irish Community Services' free legal immigration clinic on Jan. 16th at 3:30 PM at 4626 N. Knox Ave, Chicago 60630. Call 773-282-8445 to register.
In Solidarity,
Tony Cube
