Current opportunities for immigration justice in the United States and the region:
Congress is negotiating supplemental funding and budget bills right now. These must address the humanitarian needs of Ukrainians, Israelis, Palestinians, and many other displaced populations around the world. However, President Biden and members of Congress are now looking to secure funding for their priorities by using the rights of asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border as a bargaining chip. Some of the policies include reinstating a “Title 42” like expulsion policy, expanding expedited removal, restricting humanitarian parole and making detention mandatory for those entering through the U.S. Southern border. Call both of your Senators to ask them to oppose using the rights of asylum seekers to get the supplemental package passed. You can use this link for an easy way to be connected by phone. As you all know, calls are much more effective, but if you would feel more comfortable sending emails instead of making calls, you can use this link.
Tell Congress it's way past time to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act. It’s been over two years since tens of thousands of Afghans were evacuated to the United States following the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. But most of them are still here on “parole” and living in fear under an uncertain immigration status. The Afghan Adjustment Act is bipartisan legislation that allows Afghan evacuees to apply for permanent legal status in the U.S. — so that Afghans who helped us in Afghanistan, and their families, can rebuild their lives without fear. Take action easily at It’s Past Time to Pass the Afghan Adjustment Act.
Tell Congress to support the Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act. Right now, asylum seekers are forced to comply with unnecessarily long waiting periods (6 months and longer) before they are able to legally work in the United States. Without the ability to work, people seeking asylum are deprived of the right to earn an income and support themselves and their families. The Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act of 2023 (H.R. 1325) would shorten the waiting periods and make it easier for asylum seekers to obtain a work permit and contribute to their communities. Take action easily at Tell Congress to Support the Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act.
Tell Congress to support the American Dream and Promise Act (HR16) and Dream Act (S365), which would provide longer term protection of Dreamers and others from deportation, and offer a path to permanent residence.
Join Jews United for Justice and its coalition partners in advocating for expansion of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to all Maryland residents in the current 2024 Maryland General Assembly. See more information at JUFJ Immigration Rights.
Join the Congregation Action Network and others in organizing and advocating in the District of Columbia for long term solutions to the migrants who have arrived, and are still arriving, in DC and Montgomery County. See the article As migrant busing continues, advocates push for long-term solutions for a recent summary of the issue. Email info@congregationactionnetwork.org to see how you can help.
Directly support in various ways migrants and refugees in our area. Find opportunities to help at many local nonprofits, for examples: HIAS, Kind Works, Bare Necessities Foundation, International Rescue Committee-Silver Spring, Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid, Capitial Area Immigrants' Rights Coalition.
Join Adat Shalom Social Action Committee in the HIAS Spring Advocacy Week, April 1-5, 2024. Sign up now or contact Jerry at jerry.kickenson@gmail.com with any questions.
Immigration Justice Resources
HIAS: lots of information on refugees and immigration advoacy and support.
Reconstructing Judaism: Immigration Injustice and What You Can Do About It
National Immigration Law Center: Established in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is one of the leading organizations in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of immigrants with low income.
FWD.us: FWD.us is a bipartisan political organization that works to reform our harmful immigration and criminal justice systems.
United We Dream: the largest immigrant youth-led community in the country. We create welcoming spaces for young people – regardless of immigration status – to support, engage, and empower them to make their voice heard and win!
Interfaith Immigration Coalition: a partnership of over 50 national, faith-based organizations committed to enacting fair and humane immigration reform that reflects our mandate to welcome the stranger and treat all human beings with dignity and respect.
CASA in Maryland: large immigrant organization in the mid-Atlantic region supporting immigrant families and ensuring that all individuals have the core supports necessary for full participation in society. CASA combines human services, community organizing, and advocacy.
Kids In Need of Defense: Supporting migrant children by ensuring that no child appears in immigration court without high quality legal representation and advancing laws, policies, and practices that ensure children’s protection and uphold their right to due process and fundamental fairness.
Undocublack Network: A network fighting to create space for currently and formerly undocumented Black immigrants to not only survive but thrive.
Haitian Bridge Alliance: advocates for fair and humane immigration policies and provides migrants and immigrants with humanitarian, legal, and social services, with a particular focus on Black people, the Haitian community, women and girls, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and survivors of torture and other human rights abuses.
The Border Collaboration Network: associated with the Rio Texas United Methodist Church Conference, offers monthly webinars on immigration and border issues.
ACLU Immigrant Rights Project: News, reports, cases ACLU is working on.
Southern Poverty Law Center Immigrant Justice: SPLC cases and reports.