This week, two pieces of legislation concerning immigration policies have been considered by the United States Congress. One focuses on Title 42 and the other on the Afghan Adjustment Act.
Title 42 is also known as “Remain in Mexico”. It is a US law, enacted to help reduce the spread of Covid, that gives the federal government the ability to send asylum seekers back to Mexico while they await trial for asylum instead of waiting in the United States with their sponsor family. A District Court judge issued a decision that required the government to stop using Title 42 by December 21. However, it was blocked and remains in effect for now. At this point, the Supreme Court is in the process of deciding whether to lift Title 42. Until then, this means that the US government will continue to deny most asylum-seekers entrance into the United States. Asylum seekers will either wait in Mexico or will return to their home country. If Title 42 is lifted, families will again be allowed to enter into the US to wait with their sponsor family as their asylum application is processed.
The Afghan Adjustment Act is legislation that would provide a path to permanent citizenship for wartime refugees. It is supported by US military leaders, veterans’ groups, and foreign dignitaries due to its protection and support of our Afghan allies that provided service to the US. It did not pass Congress this week. The last option is for it to be introduced as a floor amendment. Senators are being encouraged to allow it to be included as a floor amendment in order for it to move forward. This legislation impacts our sweet Afghan family that St. Paul’s has been in friendship with since they arrived in Tucson in November 2021. Without the Afghan Adjustment Act, they and other Afghan refugees have no protection or path toward legal citizenship and are at risk for being returned to Afghanistan in 2023. Many Afghan evacuees currently have parolee status and not a Special Immigrant Visa or the possibility to work toward an American green card or asylum status.
In local immigration news, I spoke with Gretchen Lopez, Director of The Inn of Southern Arizona, to get an update on how Title 42 and the Afghan Adjustment Act are impacting families in Tucson. On December 20, The Inn had 157 overnight guests – a sudden increase from their recent average of 80 people. They are incredibly busy and are prepared to receive even more guests.
How can you help?
Pray – start by praying about where and how God is calling you to get involved. Pray for unaccompanied minors, pray for the safety of refugees as they make their journey, pray for refugees to find healing from trauma, pray for children who get separated from their families at the border.
Donations – The Inn is in need of men’s, women’s, and kids’ pants and leggings and jackets/coats. Many of their families go to New York and northern states, so warm winter coats are very needed. Light jackets, sweaters, and hoodies are also needed. Also needed are new or very gently used tennis shoes. Please remember that our donations should respect and reflect the dignity of the individuals that will receive them (no stains or tears please). The Inn can also use daily volunteers to welcome families, help serve meals, assisting families get hygiene and clothing items as they arrive, entertain/play with kids. To register as a volunteer, got to The Inn volunteer registration.
Education – words matter. Don’t use dehumanizing language to discuss people. Neutral phrasing helps us see people that are seeking asylum as humans instead of as a military threat or similar to a natural disaster. Using words such as a “surge”, a “flood” or a “wave” takes away their humanness. They are moms, husbands, children just like us, with stories just like us, looking for a place to raise their families in safety and where they can thrive.
Support – local organizations working on our border are prepared and ready to help people seeking asylum. They will have an increased need for compassionate community members to volunteer their time, give financial donations, and share resources. Here are additional organizations that you might like to learn more about and support.
- The Inn of Southern Arizona – provides hospitality & shelter
- Iskashitaa Refuge Network – increase food security for UN refugees
- Owl + Panther – offers art & music programs to refugee children to help heal trauma
- Justice for Our Neighbors – legal services
- International Rescue Committee – shelter and services
- Kino Border Initiative (Nogales) – shelter and services
Welcome – our faith compels and requires us to welcome others. As refugees move into your neighborhood and begin to attend your children’s schools, welcome them with a Christ-like welcome. According to Tucson Refugee Ministry, less than 50% of refugees to the US are befriended by an American. Even fewer are befriended by a Christian. Jesus taught us to imitate the example of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37). James, the brother of Jesus, encouraged believers to move from charity to doing justice (James 2:14-20, 24, 26).
Political engagement – calling your lawmakers is one way to stay engaged, advocate for refugees and asylum-seekers, and help make change happen.