Speak up for those seeking refuge and asylum

Background: Immediately after taking office, President Trump signed a slew of executive orders related to immigration policies. The impacts of these orders include, but are not limited to, ending access to asylum, indefinitely pausing the U.S. refugee program, rescinding guidance protecting “sensitive locations” from ICE enforcement, and sending military troops to the U.S.-Mexico border.

One big change was the shutdown of the CBP One app, effectively eliminating access to asylum at the border. Soon after the order took effect, some MCC staff traveled to a church-run shelter in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and talked with asylum seekers who had fled persecution in their home countries. Our new friends wanted advice on how to migrate legally, but we could only offer hot chocolate and donuts.

Refugee resettlement agencies like Church World Service and World Relief have shared that flights to the U.S. for vulnerable refugees were canceled. Some relatives expecting to reunite with family in the U.S. are still stranded abroad, despite rigorous vetting. Refugees already in the U.S. will not receive benefits such as rent support as they try to adjust to their new lives.

With the revocation of the “sensitive locations” memo protecting churches, schools, and hospitals from ICE enforcement, the Trump administration is removing all ethical guardrails for mass arrests and deportations and causing widespread fear in immigrant communities.  

Action: Please ask Congress to speak up for those affected by recent executive orders 

Faith reflection: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV)