SALT LAKE CITY — Last week, President Trump rescinded a portion of an administrative policy that resulted in separation of more than 2,000 children from their families, ostensibly to deter families fleeing from violence from seeking asylum in the United States. The House of Representatives was set to vote on two immigration related bills to help alleviate some of the problems. Representatives ended the week voting against one of the bills and left the second for further action, possibly this week.
In the wake of the whirlwind of activity last week, families have now been somewhat assured they will not be separated at the border, but children will still be housed in detention centers, with their families.
Congress may vote on the second of the immigration bills this week. For some quick background on that bill, visit https://justiceforimmigrants.org/2016site/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Compromise-Bill.pdf?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=678b4ac2-0849-4b8d-b45b-c63a07eec502.
Meanwhile, children and families are still lingering at the border with little hope of moving forward and credible fears of going back to their home countries. Catholics seeking to provide some assistance have a few options:
1. Donate to Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley’s Humanitarian Respite Center; visit http://www.catholiccharitiesrgv.org/Home.aspx?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=678b4ac2-0849-4b8d-b45b-c63a07eec502 or send donations to Humanitarian Respite Center, c/o Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, 700 N. Virgen de San Juan Blvd., San Juan TX 78589. Specify that the donation is for the Humanitarian Center.
2. Pray for immigrants and refugees and political leaders who have the power to protect or cause greater harm to vulnerable families.
3. For the latest political developments and action alerts, visit Justiceforimmigrants.org.
4. For local actions, sign up for the Diocese of Salt Lake City Prayer & Action Network: https://www.dioslc.org/outreach/government-liaison-peace-and-justice-ministry/96-prayer-and-action-network
5. Contact your House member and urge them to vote no on HR 6136 unless it is amended to address existing problems, including a drastic cut to family-based immigration and eradication of protections for unaccompanied children and asylum seekers. H.R. 6136 fails to adequately address family separation and will lead to increases in child and family detention. It also heightens the asylum “credible fear” standard and will undermine existing and critical protections for unaccompanied children. You can edit and send your message at https://dioslc.salsalabs.org/protectimmigrantfamilies/index.html?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=678b4ac2-0849-4b8d-b45b-c63a07eec502
Embassy Phone Numbers for Families Detained by Immigration Authorities
Embassies of countries in Central and South America have set up telephone numbers to help locate family and friends of immigrants and refugees who have disappeared or who have been detained by immigration authorities. Telephone numbers follow.
he CIAM Information Assistance Center for Mexicans: In the United States – 855-4636-395; from México – 001-520-623-7874
Guatemala Embassy in the United States: 202-745-4953
El Salvador Embassy in the United States: 202 595 7500
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