News from Interfaith Immigration Coalition

Immigrants, People of Faith Welcome Opportunity for Change
The past four years have been a dark time for our immigrant communities. But at every point, the interfaith community has demonstrated a commitment to justice, and with a new administration, there is hope for change. People of faith are ready to work with President-Elect Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Congress to protect the human rights and dignity of immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and all people.

• IIC Press Release | IIC Chair Elissa Diaz reflects on Biden-Harris Victory
• AP | Religious left, including IIC members, keep up pressure on Biden
• Buzzfeed | Immigrants at U.S.-Mexico border celebrate Biden’s win
• Advocate | Call the Biden administration to take bold action for immigrants

Children and Families Face Imminent Deportation
There are currently 28 children, ages 2 to 18, in indefinite ICE detention along with their families. They have a stay of removal until this Saturday, 11/21. But after then, absent intervention by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, they are vulnerable to deportation.

• Press Release | Immigrant children and attorneys plea to stop deportations
• Petition | Urge ICE to stop these deportations
• Toolkit | Learn more and take additional action

Hope for Refugees Restored, Through Work Remains
At a recent event hosted by IIC member Jesuit Refugee Service USA, President-Elect Biden committed to raising the annual refugee admission target to 125,000, affirming that “in the stranger, we actually meet our neighbor.” However, significant investment will be required to rebuild the resettlement program after years of decimation. As Congress is currently considering funding for Fiscal Year 2021, people of faith must demand support for the refugee resettlement and other funding for displaced people.

• Advocate | Urge Congress to support funding for refugees
• Toolkit | Raise awareness on social media and encourage others to take action
• Sign-on Letter | Voice your support for FY21 federal funding for refugee-related efforts and other immigration funding priorities. Sign as an individual faith leader or on behalf of your faith community or organization (letter closes 11/30).

The Number of Separated Migrant Children Grows to 666
Last month, a federal judge appointed a group of lawyers to locate and reunite 545 migrant children who were separated from their parents. The lawyers believe they have instead found 121 more children who have been separated, bringing the total to a horrifying 666. We continue to pray for comfort, peace, and divine justice for these children and their families.

Border Agents Can No Longer Use COVID-19 to Expel Migrant Children
Since mid-March, U.S. border agents have been expelling most asylum seekers—including over 9,000 children—without allowing them to see an immigration judge or asylum officer.  However, a federal judge has ruled that unaccompanied migrant children must be allowed to seek humanitarian refuge. We celebrate this win for justice!

Unjust DACA Rules Deemed Invalid
A federal judge has ruled that Chad Wolf was not legally serving as acting Homeland Security secretary when he signed rules limiting applications and renewals for the DACA program—and that those rules are now invalid. “This is an incredible victory for DACA recipients and first-time applicants like me,” said Johana Larios, a plaintiff in the case.

Migrant: Stories of Hope and Resilience

Hope Border Insitute and Kino Border Initiative are proud to present “Migrant: Stories about Hope and Resilience”, a comic book portraying stories based and inspired off of real interviews with migrants. The authors, Jeffry Odell Korgen and Kevin C. Pyle bring to the pages the life, hope, and struggle of the migrant life.

Click here for more information and to order a copy

Center on Immigration Book Talk Series