Follow-Up Action Alert! Your voice is still needed to protect immigrant children!
The Issue: Nearly 2,000 migrant children have been separated from their parents due to the “zero tolerance” immigration policy, since the beginning of the policy in May. The number of separated children may be even higher than what’s currently being reported. To be clear, this crisis is due to a policy choice by the current Administration; there is not a law mandating that children must be separated from their parents. The Administration could reverse this policy immediately, but they instead seem to be putting the responsibility on Congress to act.
The current Administration has commented that they see this policy as a strategy to discourage other immigrants from coming across the border. We believe that separating children from their parent, in the absence of concern for the safety of the child, is cruel and harmful. This policy is likely to cause trauma for the children and the parents, which may have long-lasting detrimental effects. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of Social Workers are among professional associations who have spoken out against this policy.
Faith groups of various denominations, including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, have also publically denounced this policy in recent days. We must continue to speak up! Our faith teaches us that we are called to welcome the stranger, and recognize the dignity and worth of each person. We are called to care for the marginalized and the vulnerable, and we recognize the particular vulnerability of children. This policy is immoral, unjust, and is a violation of human rights. We must continue to voice our collective opposition to separating immigrant families.
The Action Needed:There are two pieces of legislation in Congress right now regarding the “zero tolerance” policy.
The Keep Families Together Act (S. 3036) Both Senator Blumenthal and Senator Murphy are co-sponsors of this bill. Contact them to say thank you for standing up for immigrant families. Urge them to work with their colleagues in Congress to add more co-sponsors to the bill.
The HELP Separated Children Act of 2018 (S. 2937/H.R.5950)
This bill does not end the practice of family separations, but it seeks to create better, more humane treatment of those who are impacted by it until there is a total end to the policy.
Senator Blumenthal is already a co-sponsor of the Senate version, but Senator Murphy is not. Representative Rosa DeLauro is already a co-sponsor of the House version of this bill, but other CT Representatives are not. Contact them to ask them to consider being a co-sponsor for this legislation.
**Note: These two bills are not the bills that House Speaker Paul Ryan and the media have been talking about.**
The House is planning to vote on two other immigration bills this week that likely will be aimed at restricting legal immigration, changing the asylum system, and increasing border protections (such as building the wall). Urge your Members of Congress to oppose bills that would further militarize the border or end protections for asylum seekers and immigrant children.
Lastly, Representative Rosa DeLauro has also introduced a resolution in the House condemning this policy. The other Representatives from CT have joined her effort.
Let them know you appreciate their advocacy!
We invite you to join us, and many other advocates, in raising our voices to protect immigrant children. Please reach out to your Members of Congress to ask them to work with their colleagues to end this policy immediately!
Or call the Department of Justice: Comment line is 202-353-1555You could also call the White House: The switchboard number is 202-456-1414;
Sample Message:
“My name is ____ and I live in your district. I’m calling to urge you to oppose the policy of separating immigrant families at the border and to work with DHS to reverse this policy. Please support The Keep Families Together Act (S. 3036) and The HELP Separated Children Act of 2018 (S. 2937/H.R.5950). Please oppose legislation that will cause further harm to immigrants. As a person of faith, this issue is important to me because… Thank you for your time.”
Want to learn more?
A comprehensive article that breaks down the current issue and background. (Vox)
Statement from Faith Leaders (Interfaith Immigrant Coalition)
Distinction between the family separations and the “missing” children (Vox)
“Separating Families at the Border: A Costly Practice” (Justice for Immigrants)
New York Times “I can’t go without my son”
Thank you for your advocacy efforts!
