This summer is a critical time for Congress to pass a path to citizenship, provides us opportunities to support children, families, and immigrants in detention, and is our moment to support migrants seeking asylum!
Here are ways, as Disciples, we can help lead with other faith partners to:
Show Up
End Immigrant Detention Panel on July 14, 7:30pm ET
Sign up here for a conversation with American Friends Service Committee partners on how communities are working to free people from detention, end policies that expand detention, and shut down detention centers. Spanish interpretation provided.
Learn About Immigration Enforcement Funding on July 20, 7:30pm ET
Register today for a Defund Hate event to learn how Congress funds immigration enforcement agencies and how you can advocate to defund them.
Citizenship for All: Faithful August Recess Webinar on July 27, 5pm ET, & Monday Citizenship Prayers on Aug. 9, 16, 23, & 30, 12 noon-12:30 ET
Sign up now for a webinar to learn how your faith community can put pressure on Congress during August recess to include citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, and essential workers - including farm workers - in the next recovery package. On the webinar, you'll learn about prayers and actions for citizenship held every Monday 12-12:30 pm ET. RSVP for the prayers here.
Take Action
Child Detention Protection Days, July 14-17
Child immigrants continue to suffer in crowded emergency centers; often receiving sub-par care in crowded conditions. See this toolkit for virtual resources from multiple partners you can share to support children and families. If you are in the El Paso area, consider registering here to attend a July 17th action at Fort Bliss.
Faith4Asylum Action Days, July 17-21
Urge Congress to Evacuate and Protect our Afghan Allies
As attacks rise against Afghans who helped the U.S. military, we must ensure that the 18,000 Afghans waiting to relocate to the U.S. can do so. Join CWS and RCUSA to urge Congress and President Biden to evacuate and protect our Afghan allies using this action alert, talking points, and resource compilation.
70th Anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention on July 28
Take Urgent Action to Reduce Enforcement Funding Today!
Call members of the House Appropriations Committee to urge them to cut funding for immigrant detention. View this document for committee members’ contact info, sample scripts, and social media graphics.
Catch Up
Launch of "Ready to Stay" Resources for Legalization:
Partners across the U.S. TODAY launched "Ready to Stay", a coalition of organizations working together to build capacity for large-scale immigration legalization. See resources here: https://readytostay.org/. As Disciples, also remember you can contact Natalie Teague for immigration legal assistance at: natalie@disciplesimmigration.org.
Thank You to the “Fasters for Freedom”
We are grateful to the 65+ clergy and immigrants in Washington, DC and 100+ solidarity activists nationwide that fasted as part of the #WeAreEssential Fast For Freedom to urge Congress to pass a path to citizenship. Read about the closing vigil here, and stay tuned for resources for a next Faith Week of Action for Citizenship on July 27-29.
President Biden: Protect Haitians, End Title 42
In light of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse and ongoing concerns for Haitian asylum-seekers, hundreds of faith groups and advocacy organizations sent letters to President Biden urging him to put an end to “Title 42 Expulsions.” Read the July 6 IIC letter here and the July 8 UndocuBlack letter here, and plan your faith vigil to support asylum seekers here.
Contact Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries' Director,
Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea, with any questions & ways
we can support the work of you and your congregations!
sstanley@dhm.disciples.org, 202-957-7826
Please help us ensure 2021 becomes a season of renewal and hope by donating online at: https://www.discipleshomemissions.org/product/donation/ & choosing “Refugee & Immigration Ministries” in the dropdown menu—or by mailing your donation check to “Refugee & Immigration Ministries/DHM” to: RIM, c/o Disciples Home Missions, Attn.: Kathy Watts, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN. 46206
