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Official Statement Regarding Possible Reinstatement of Immigrant Family Detention
On May 11, 2023, the federal COVID-19 public health emergency order will expire, and the use of Title 42 as a mechanism to control immigration will come to an end. In anticipation of an expected increase of migrants and asylum seekers at the border, the Biden administration is reportedly exploring new policies, including a proposed new asylum rule and a potential reinstatement of family detention. Comprehensive immigration reform will be necessary to fully address the challenge of administering our borders. Until that can be achieved, we encourage the president to seek solutions that protect the health and welfare of the vulnerable. The negative impacts — developmental, emotional, and physical —…
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Call to Action: End Using Title 42 as Border Immigration Policy
In March 2020 the Trump administration implemented Title 42, part of the 1944 Public Health Service Act, which “allows the government to prevent the introduction of individuals during certain public health emergencies.” This policy was not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and has enabled both the Trump and Biden administrations to ignore long-standing norms and laws related to the processing of asylum seekers at the U.S. border. TO DO Contact your members of Congress requesting their support for our administration’s plan to end the use of Title 42 at the border on May 23. You can find instructions and…
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Afghanistan Immigration: The 3 Secure, Systematic Processes
We are expecting an influx of immigrants from Afghanistan in the coming months and years. The State Department will be processing those Afghans desirous to enter the U.S. in a secure, systematic process. While the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan has seemed chaotic and alarming, immigration protocols and safeguards will not be abandoned despite the immediacy needed. The three types of legal entry are Special Immigrant Visas, humanitarian parole, and I-9 refugee status. All three processes include rigorous vetting, but they vary in both process and limitations. As we begin welcoming our Afghan friends into our neighborhoods, we can do so with the assurance that we are welcoming people…
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Call to Action: Support Dreamers and Pass the Dream Act of 2021
UPDATE: On July 16, 2021, a federal judge ruled that accepting new DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) applications is illegal. While this does not change the status of current DACA recipients, it does bar new applicants, emphasizing the need for legislative action. The House passed the Dream Act, but the bill is currently held up in the Senate. We need to continue to encourage our senators to work together to find a legislative solution to ensure Dreamers are protected from deportation and are provided a reasonable pathway to permanent status. The American Dream and Promise Act of 2021 is a bipartisan bill that would provide permanent protection and a…
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Mormon Women for Ethical Government’s Immigration Priorities Statement
A new year and a new presidential administration bring hope for ethical changes to immigration. The last four years both highlighted long-time issues and brought about many new challenges. We are hopeful that the work of MWEG members and many other organizations will lead the way to positive immigration reform. MWEG’s evolution since its inception in 2017 has prepared Shoulder to Shoulder, MWEG’s immigration initiative, to make a tangible difference in the coming year and thereafter. Our priorities for immigration reform are as follows: Change the tone. Reverse the current anti-immigration tone to demonstrate respect, compassion, and dignity for every human being. Support refugees. Increase the presidential determination on refugee…
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Call to Action: Investigate Whistleblower Complaint on Unwanted Hysterectomies Performed in ICE Detention Centers
A former nurse at an ICE detention center has filed a whistleblower complaint about both insufficient prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and the number of women in custody receiving hysterectomies. The complaint identifies concerns with the frequency, lack of sufficient consent, and questionable necessity of the gynecological procedure performed by one doctor in particular. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed an investigation will proceed. To do: Contact your members of Congress to let them know you are both aware of and concerned about the troubling allegations noted in the whistleblower complaint and that an independent investigation must proceed. In less than five minutes, you can submit a letter via our…
