SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 2023
Weekend Reading
Dear Friend,
March 19 marks the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War. Today, it’s clear as ever that the U.S. cannot solve the world’s problems with war and military responses. Instead, we must invest in peace, diplomacy, and nonviolent solutions that benefit all people and communities. Read more from AFSC’s Mike Merryman-Lotze, Beth Hallowell, and Mary Zerkel. [link removed] And join us on March 28 for our webinar “Remembrance and Accountability: The Iraq War at 20” to discuss what we’ve learned and how we can build a different future. Register today. [link removed]
Here are this week's picks to inform and support your activism:
Speak out against Biden’s asylum ban by March 27!: [link removed] This week, it's been two years since the start of Title 42, which has allowed the U.S. to turn away hundreds of thousands of migrants seeking safety. Now the Biden administration wants to institute an asylum ban that would deny asylum to most people arriving at the southern border. We have until March 27 to comment on the policy before it becomes final. Use our online form to submit a public comment to the federal government today!
Nicaraguan families need and deserve temporary protection from deportation: [link removed] In 2000, Bertha Sanles immigrated to the U.S. from Nicaragua after Hurricane Mitch devastated the country. In this op-ed, Bertha—who now works with AFSC—shares her story and urges President Biden to redesignate Nicaragua for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). TPS provides protection from deportation to people from certain countries afflicted natural disasters, war, or other dangerous conditions. (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
Today at 1 p.m. ET/ 10 a.m. PT: Black Quaker Lives Matter Film Festival: [link removed] Join AFSC for today’s screening as part of this special online series: “Benjamin Banneker: The Man Who Loved The Stars." We'll learn more about the life of this scholar-activist, astronomer, and almanac publisher. And the screening will be followed by a discussion with Benjamin Banneker descendant-researchers.
62 faith organizations call for cuts to biggest-ever Pentagon budget: [link removed] Last week, dozens of organizations joined AFSC in a letter to Congress. We are urging legislators to slash militarized spending, reinvest in the well-being of communities, and curtail the harms of the U.S. foreign policy.
Join our upcoming No Way to Treat a Child webinar (March 21, 12 p.m. ET/ 9 a.m. ET): [link removed] We’re anticipating the introduction of new U.S. legislation advocating for Palestinian children's rights. This webinar will help advocates prepare. The training will equip you with the skills to understand and explain legislation, the U.S.-Israel relationship, and how the U.S. funds Israeli violations of Palestinian rights.
Colorado family celebrates after immigrant father receives long-awaited permanent residency: [link removed] After a 16-year struggle to stay in the U.S. with his family, Jorge Rafael Zaldivar Mendieta is now a permanent U.S. resident. But Jorge and his wife, Christina, who are members of AFSC’s Not1More Deportation project, will keep advocating for just, humane immigration policies for all people. "It's not just immigrants, it's Americans who are tied to the immigrants. It's the communities that are tied to these people. ... So it's justice for all," Christina says. (CBS Evening News)
Help us meet our goal by March 31: [link removed] Donations from caring people like you help protect immigrant rights, promote economic justice, build conditions for peace, and so much more.
Be well and take care
American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
United States
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