What’s New?
Media outlets are reporting that the administration plans to terminate pending immigration cases for hundreds of thousands of people who sought asylum – putting them at risk of being removed to dangerous and unsafe countries.
According to the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP), the government started dismissing asylum cases last month.
This plan would not only put vulnerable individuals, families, and children at risk, but it would also impact the communities where they live and work.
What Else?
Reconciliation Bill
Congress is attempting to pass a budget reconciliation bill – a legislative process that allows bills changing spending, revenues, or the debt limit to pass by a simple majority in the Senate, thereby bypassing the filibuster. It's a process commonly used by both parties.
This bill, which passed the House on a thin margin last month and is now in the Senate, includes policies that harm our neighbors and communities, such as:
- Cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- Ending Medicaid and SNAP for refugees, asylees, and other immigrants with lawful status.
- Undermining protections for unaccompanied immigrant children by prolonging their release from government custody and implementing a $5,000 minimum sponsorship fee for children to be united with a parent or family member.
- Increasing fees for humanitarian immigration applications, including asylum, parole, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This includes a new $1,000 initial asylum application fee and an annual fee for pending asylum applications.
- Limiting access to work permits for people with parole or TPS, or who are seeking asylum.
While the bill is facing setbacks in the Senate, it is critical for the community to speak out against it.
Use Refugee Council USA’s advocacy tool to contact your senators today:
LSSNCA Continues to Support Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Holders
While policies remain in place that continue to make it difficult for refugees and forcibly displaced to reach safety, a few are being allowed to resettle and receive support through Reception and Placement, including Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders who have self-traveled to the United States.
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) is currently supporting Afghan SIV holders in Maryland and Virginia, along with many neighbors who arrived before January 20.
How to Help:
Here are three easy action items to support neighbors and the community:
- Advocate – Tell your senators to oppose the budget reconciliation bill that harms our communities.
- Donate – Support LSSNCA’s services for our neighbors.
- Volunteer – Volunteer with LSSNCA, opportunities range from one-day events to longer-term mentorships.
