JFI Colleagues,

Please see below for the latest updates from JFI.

TAKE ACTION: JFI Action Alerts

JFI has two active action alerts, one for the Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act (PVIYA) and another for the Afghan Adjustment Act (AAA). In the last two weeks, Bishop Seitz sent letters on behalf of the USCCB in support of the AAA and PVIYA. The links for the action alerts are:

Please send the action alerts to your national networks and ask your advocates to send advocacy messages to their U.S. Senators and Representatives.

Movie Discussion Guide: The Sound of Freedom

The recently released movie, The Sound of Freedom, has hit a nerve, touching as it does on sensitive subjects of sexual slavery and child exploitation. It forces all of us to pay attention to the grave evil of human trafficking, challenges us to better understand the scope of the problem, and calls on us to reflect on what we can do both as individuals and as part of a Church to put an end to it. The Catholic Church has long recognized the threats associated with human trafficking and taken efforts to educate the Catholic faithful on this ongoing problem and with your help will continue to do so. Please use this study guide as you reflect on the film and consider how you can help to end the evil of human trafficking.

REMINDER: 2023 National Migration Week/World Day of Migrants and Refugees

National Migration Week will take place September 18 – 24 and concludes with the Vatican sponsored World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) on September 24. This year’s theme, “Free to choose whether to migrate or to stay,” shines a light on the root causes that drive migration. In preparation for this celebration, please take an opportunity to read Pope Francis’ WDMR message. Be sure to check out the Justice for Immigrant’s NMW page and toolkit, where we expand on the theme and suggest possible ways for your community to get involved.

PCMRT Invitation to Yakima, WA

The USCCB Subcommittee on Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees and Travelers (PCMRT) is organizing an Episcopal Encounter with Migrant Farmworkers on August 28-29, 2023, in the Diocese of Yakima, with visits to agricultural work sites, migrant housing and ministry locations, and times for prayer, reflection and exchange with migrants and leaders in ministries serving communities. For more information and to register, please see the flyer (right) or contact PCMRT staff, Madeline Watkins.

Policy Update / Actualización de Política

We are thankful to the Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMS) for its weekly Migration Update. Please visit their bilingual Migration Update page to stay up-to-date on recent migration policy updates.

View the August 8 CMS Migration Update, which includes:

  • Appeals Court Allows Biden Asylum Rule to Temporarily Remain In Place
  • DHS Issues New Guidance to Assist Stateless Persons In the United States
  • ICE Expands the Expedited Removal of Immigrant Families
  • Despite a Promise to Phase Out the Use of Private Prisons, Biden Has Increased Their Use

Agradecemos al Centro de Estudios de Migración de Nueva York (CMS por sus siglas en inglés) por su Actualización de Migración semanal. Visite su página bilingüe de Actualización de Migración para mantenerse al día sobre las actualizaciones recientes de la política de migración.

Ver la Actualización de Migración del CMS del 8 de agosto, que incluye:

  • La corte de apelaciones permite que la regla de asilo de Biden permanezca temporalmente en su lugar
  • DHS emite una nueva guía para ayudar a las personas apátridas en los Estados Unidos
  • ICE amplía la deportación acelerada de familias inmigrantes
  • A pesar de la promesa de eliminar gradualmente el uso de prisiones privadas, Biden ha aumentado su uso

Migration-Related Stories, Op-Eds and Interviews by Catholic Bishops, and Catholic Agency Executives

Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn: “Fix the immigration system but don’t scapegoat the Church”

Notable New Publications, Reports, Films, Articles, Etc.

Congressional Research Service (CRS): Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure

This CRS report explains the elements and provisions of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforcement Departure (DED). TPS and DED are two forms of relief from removal for nationals of countries experiencing civil unrest, violence, or natural disasters.

Migration Policy Institute: Frequently Requested Statistics on Immigrants and Immigration in the United States

The United States is in the midst of an historic period in its immigration history, facing a changing composition of the immigrant population, pandemic-related pent-up demand for permanent and temporary visas, record pressure at the U.S.-Mexico border, and somewhat decreasing public support for expanded immigration. This resource will help you to understand the changing U.S. immigrant population.

Refugee Processing Center: Admissions and Arrivals

This report provides information on all refugee admissions to the United States for the current fiscal year, as broken down both by country of chargeability and by month of admission. Refugee Admissions Report as of July 31, 2023

Other Upcoming Events, Opportunities, and Resources

  • Catholic Charities Hawai’i Maui Relief. Catholic Charities Hawaii is collaborating with community partners to deliver resources and services to aid the affected communities in recovering from the devastating Maui wildfires. Together, we are working to address the immediate needs of the affected communities, while also planning for long-term recovery efforts. Thank you for your consideration and for your continued support!
  • Learn More About JustFaith Programs, August 23, 2023 at 7:30 PM Eastern. For nearly 20 years, JustFaith Ministries programs have inspired individuals and groups to participate in the transformation of the world and connect faith with issues that matter. Join author and JustFaith Ministries Founder Jack Jezreel, M.Div., and his colleague Leila Oakley, M.T.S. as they introduce the programs of JustFaith Ministries and share how they can be used as a “tool for transformation.” Learn more and register today!
  • Volunteer with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington. Washington, D.C., is home to a thriving and vibrant community of immigrants from around the world. Many come to America with the dream of starting over and building a better life. Others fled violence and the fear of death, seeking asylum and safety. Volunteers are an essential part of the Newcomer Network and we ask you consider volunteering with us.
  • Diocese of Little Rock – Catholic Immigration Services. Catholic Immigration Services in Little Rock and Springdale, Arkansas provides low-cost immigration counseling and support to families and individuals who are eligible for immigration benefits and cannot afford private assistance. These programs are members of CLINIC. We recognize the inalienable right of all persons to human dignity and, therefore, assist and advocate for immigrants to attain family unity, economic independence and social integration. Please see our list of available services.

In solidarity,

Tony Cube

Stay Connected

Visit the JFI website to learn about us, read policy recommendations and letters to Congress, find materials for your parish, get advocacy resources, access previously recorded webinars, and more! Send us an email to get connected.