Stand with Immigrants: Updates and Actions To Take Today
The Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC) offers updates, actions to take and resources for standing with Immigrants. The IIC is a partnership of faith-based organizations committed to enacting fair and humane immigration reform that reflects our mandate to welcome the stranger and treat all human beings with dignity and respect. Coalition members work together to advocate for just and equitable immigration policies, educate faith communities, and serve immigrant populations around the country.
Catch Up
Pushback To Historically Low Refugee Admissions Ceiling
On Oct. 31, President Trump announced a historic low refugee admissions goal of 7,500, slashing the number of slots for refugees in the upcoming year and circumventing mandated congressional consultations. The Interfaith Immigration Coalition joined refugee leaders, and refugee resettlement organizations nationwide in denouncing the announcement.
Public Charge Updates
There have been new developments with public charge, a provision of U.S. law that affects how immigrants are assessed for potential inadmissibility based on their use of public benefits. The Department of Homeland Security recently announced a proposed rule change with a 30-day public comment period. DHS is proposing to rescind guidance put in place in 2022 under the Biden administration.
Faith Organizations Speak Out
In November, Catholic bishops issued a rare statement on mass deportations, warning that these policies create fear and undermine human dignity. Additionally, more than two dozen religious groups now have filed lawsuits regarding “sensitive locations.” Faith organizations are actively challenging the administration’s recent policies. Groups have shared important know your rights information, hosted vigils in solidarity, shown up to bear witness and accompany people to court, and thousands have raised their voices for more humane and just policies.
Take Action
Organizational Letter to Congress on Arrest of Dreamers & DACA Recipients
Amid a surge of apprehensions and detentions of individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) the IIC is leading a letter to Congress urging them to defend DACA recipients from unjust actions.
Deadline: November 19 End of Day
Interfaith Statement of Solidarity with Canadian Faith Leaders
Right now, faith leaders in Canada are calling on the U.S. interfaith community to stand in solidarity with them as they urge the Canadian government to reject regressive measures that could limit asylum and due process for vulnerable people at the U.S.-Canada border.
Read the solidarity statement and add your organization here.
Deadline: November 19 at 10am ET.
Take Action for Refugees
Urge national, state, and local elected leaders to stand up for the persecuted, schedule congressional consultations on refugee admissions, and restart refugee admissions.
Resources
Explore Know Your Rights Resources
Check out CLINIC’s know your rights flyers, which are available in 10 languages and include information on what your rights are, regardless of immigration status, in different types of law and immigration enforcement encounters. Read and download here.
Check out the list of prayer and practical know your rights resources for churches, providers, and schools compiled by the Christian Community Development Association. Access the resources here.
Check out this resource page to help immigrants and those assisting them to navigate the dangerous environment created by new laws and executive orders, created by the Sisters of Mercy’s Justice Team. Access the resources here.
Check our these new resources from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) on sensitive locations and what faith communities can do if ICE or immigration enforcement officers appear at their place of worship. Access the resources here.