Immigration

 

Ethical Reflection

C                     Immigrants are strangers in a foreign land

C                     Scripture calls for hospitality to sojourners

 

Background

C                     US has always been an immigrant nation B our forefathers came for many reasons, some seeking asylum.

C                     President Bush is to be commended for recognizing contributions of immigrants, the plight of undocumented immigrants
and for his calls for reform

C                     Fear of terrorism has lead others to call for reform measures which would hurt refugees yet do nothing more than current law
to secure America against terrorism

 

Reform Issues Before Congress

The REAL ID Act (H. R. 418) would impose unfair barriers for refugees and asylum seekers and put those fleeing religious and political
persecution at risk of return to torture or death

C                     have to prove main reason persecuted is race, nationality, religion, political opinion or membership in particular group.

C                     need to supply corroborative evidence about their suffering B difficult for children or those in immigration detention.

C                     allow victims of terrorist or militant groups to be departed or barred from seeking asylum

C                     undocumented or those who overstayed visa could not get driver=s licenses and state ID cards

Status in the House

$                   Passed anti-asylum provisions in 2004, contrary to recommendations of 9/11 Commission

$                   Provisions did not make it through House/Senate negotiations and was not in bill sent to the President

$                   Provisions reintroduced early in the 109th Congress as part of H. R. 418

Status in the Senate

$                   Appropriations Committee did not include the REAL ID Act provisions in Supplemental Appropriations Act

$                   May be an attempt to add the provisions on the Senate Floor

 

Temporary Protected Status for Haiti

Haiti has requested Temporary Protected Status for Haitians in the US

C                     DHS may designate TPS based on

C                     ongoing armed conflict that threatens safety of returning nationals

C                     environmental disaster causes disruption of living conditions

C                     Extraordinary conditions that endanger returning nationals

C                     Haiti meets these conditions,  temporarily is unable to handle return of nationals

C                     tropical storm and floods have left thousands dead and homeless,

C                     80% of population below poverty line and only half can read and write

C                     many schools not open after massive flooding

C                     US Stabilization Mission aiding in disaster relief has difficulty maintaining law and order

 

Suggested Actions

$                   Defeat REAL ID Act provisions

$                   Give Haiti Temporary Protected Status

4/2005