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Updates continue to develop quickly for refugees and immigrants-and just over the past few days, there are new and important resources to share:
As you may have heard over the weekend, U.S. District Judge James Robart of Seattle ordered a national halt to President Trump's executive order, which denied entry into the U.S. of refugees and persons from seven predominantly Muslim countries. His decision was met on Saturday with the filing of a notice of appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals by the Administration. Overnight, the Circuit Court denied the appeal's request to immediately reinstate the ban, and instead asked both Washington state and the Trump administration to file more arguments by Monday afternoon. VISA holders and refugee processing are resuming as the case continues to work its way through the courts.
Also, we've heard reports this weekend about raids already being carried out against immigrants. Such raids that have started in Austin are impacting our congregations there, and we are hearing a new emphasis on enforcement-even against those with minor infractions, which may be from very long ago--are causing growing anxieties among immigrant churches around the country.
In the midst of such uncertainly, you're invited to:
1) REMEMBER TO REGISTER FOR TODAY'S 4 P.M. EASTERN TIME NATIONAL WEBINAR, to hear recent updates, and to build "virtual" connections with others in your area who are concerned to welcome refugees and immigrants!
Please register here:
RSVP
--
and be a part of this important webinar! Only together will we be able to protect our immigrant and refugee sisters and brothers, keep families together, and make change happen. So, gather your networks together and let's plan and strategize and work together!
To join the webinar, you will go to
http://join.me/faith4immigration
and follow the directions for audio and visual. For audio only call, dial
+1.202.602.1295, Access Code: 354-977-836#.
2) PRINT AND SIGN THE REFUGEE SUPPORT VALENTINE CARD
here to send your friends. The Valentine expresses your support for refugees, and lets them know how to get involved to make a difference in welcoming them!
3) PRINT AND SIGN THE REFUGEE SUPPORT VALENTINE POSTCARD
here to deliver to your in-district and Washington, D.C. legislative offices for your two Senators and Congressional Representative.
4) SCHEDULE NOW FOR A TEAM LEGISLATIVE VISIT to your leaders when they will be in district from February 18-25. Invite them to an event in your community, or meet in their office. Go
here for a toolkit to help you prepare to express your support for refugees & immigrants when you go, or contact our office at:
[email protected] or 202-957-7826
5) ORGANIZE NOW TO BE READY TO OFFER PROTECTION FOR IMMIGRANTS, WHO ARE AT INCREASING THREATS OF RAIDS, DETENTION, AND DEPORTATIONS. Go
here
(in English) to learn how you and your church can help protect immigrant neighbors. See the same resource also
here
(in Spanish). We have already begun to hear stories impacting our congregations in the Austin, TX. area, and such efforts are expected to grow. Contact:
[email protected] or 202-957-7826 for further assistance in linking with resource partners in your area, and training to prepare you to support immigrants and their families.
And-STAY TUNED for additional developments anticipated soon to come re: further Executive Orders, the DACA program, ongoing refugee policies, and more!
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