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Call To Action to Value our Immigrants

by | Apr 24, 2020 | AZ-JFON, Asylum, Refugee, Immigration, Billie's Blog

Call to Action to Value our Immigrants
National Justice for Our Neighbors Responds to
Trump Administration’s Immigration Suspension

Last night, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation in an effort to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States. This ban, effective on Thursday, April 23, 2020, will last for 60 days.

The executive order claims this unprecedented step is necessary to protect our nation’s workforce as we experience the economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis. However, it is clear to us that it is aimed at curbing family-based immigration and will harm U.S. citizens and green card holders seeking to reunite with family.

It also builds on several anti-immigrant policies put forward by the administration in the last several years by closing off almost all legal pathways to immigration.

Targeting immigrants does nothing to achieve economic justice and only further marginalizes and dehumanizes our immigrant communities. This proclamation is antithetical to the shared values of our nation, our faith, and of our Justice for Our Neighbors Network.

We welcome immigrants. We know they strengthen our communities and our economy. We believe all families belong together.

TAKE ACTION NOW: Urge Congress to Stop Trump’s New Immigration & Family Ban
Join us in taking part in Church World Service’s Call to Actionto contact your Senators and Representatives today!
These groups of individuals will be included in the ban:

  1. Individuals currently outside of the United States who are seeking a green card;
  2. Individuals who do not have an immigrant visa that is valid on the effective date of the proclamation (this can apply to individuals in the United States, but it is unclear whether or not individuals who have started immigration applications and are waiting for a visa will be impacted);
  3. Individuals who do not have an official travel documenta transportation letter, an appropriate boarding foil, or an advance parole document that permits entry to the United Statesthat becomes valid on or is issued after the effective date of this proclamation.
  4. The adult children (over 21) and parents of U.S citizens, who are currently  outside the country, and who seek to immigrate and reunify with family;
  5. All family (spouses, minor and adult children, parents etc.) of Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) who are outside of the country and are seeking to immigrate.

The ban does not apply to:

  • U.S. Citizens
  • U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders)
  • Individuals entering the U.S. on non-immigrant visas
  • Individuals who are present in the U.S. and applying for adjustment of status
  • Individuals entering on immigrant visas as medical professionals
  • Those seeking entry to the U.S. to do COVID-related work, and their spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old
  • Individuals seeking to enter on the EB-5 Immigrant Investors Program
  • Spouses and children under 21 years old of U.S. Citizens
  • Individuals “whose entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives”
  • Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses and children
  • Nationals of Afghanistan and Iraq who are entering the U.S. on Special Immigrant Visas for having served as interpreters for the U.S. Armed Forces, and their spouses and children
  • Those seeking asylum, refugee status, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT)
  • Anyone whose entry is deemed to be in the “national interest”

Now, more than ever, we are reminded of the importance of family, unity, and grace. It is unforgivable that our immigrant communities, which we all depend on to keep this country running, especially during the current crisis, are targeted in this ban. We must lift our voices in opposition to this anti-family, anti-immigrant executive order now.

We hope you will join our CALL TO ACTION to contact your senators and representatives today.

DONATE NOW
Arizona JFON offers two ways to give:

  • ONLINE:  Donations can be made at www.dscumc.org
  • MAIL:  Checks can be mailed to Arizona Justice For Our Neighbors, P.O Box 11181, Tucson AZ 85734-1181

Thank you for supporting immigrant families!

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Author: Billie K. Fidlin

Billie K. Fidlin is the Director of Outreach & Justice for the Desert Southwest Conference. She is a graduate of Western Michigan University and attended Claremont School of Theology for religious studies. Ms. Fidlin currently serves as the President of the Arizona Faith Network in her second term. She is President & Founder of Whisper n Thunder Inc., and sits on various boards including the Justa Center. Her awards include the UM Foundation for Evangelism 2004 Distinguished Evangelist; 2016 Church Women United / United Nations Human Rights Award; 2018 Servant Leader Award AZ Faith Network; 2022 Southern Poverty Law Center Certificate of Recognition; and 2022-23 Class of Who's Who in America.

The Desert Southwest Conference is a diverse and loving organization with open doors to a variety of people and partners in ministry. Celebrating our connection and diversity, we offer various resources. Content on this site includes information from other organizations that may not reflect the official policies or Social Principles of The United Methodist Church or the Desert Southwest Conference.

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