While Texas Gov. Greg Abbott lampooned sanctuary cities by sending buses full of desperate people seeking safety for themselves and their families, he did not anticipate that they would be received with open hearts, houses, and churches.
For faith leaders, the line historically has been short enough to get a green card before their temporary work visas expired. But that changed in March.
Lawmakers are arguing that if the federal government can restrict structures in the Rio Grande, then they could use the same Act everywhere because of Noah’s flood. Putting aside the legal silliness of the appeal to Genesis, this issue of A Public Witness joins the
GOP representatives, who seem to be taking their cues from deeply conservative Catholic groups that vow to "#defund the bishops," plan to cut funding to a DHS program that supports Catholic relief centers at the United States' Southern border.
New policies that took effect last week are exacerbating the strain on many shelters on the southern side of the United States-Mexico border.
The new rule, which goes into effect May 16, rejects asylum claims for most people who cross the border but do not first seek asylum in Mexico.
'This legislation, if adopted, would incite fear and create barriers of needed care that our church immigrant and refugee ministries engage,' reads a letter signed by hundreds of Latino pastors, faith leaders, and congregants.
The new rules mirror restrictions set forth by the Trump administration that were eventually blocked in court by migrant activist groups.
A number of faith-based organizations and congregations are pleading with the Biden administration, in a letter sent Monday to President Joe Biden and other leaders, not to enact new immigration restrictions. The letter expresses “grave concern” with policies announced earlier this month.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott seeks to investigate organizations that he claims have assisted with “illegal border crossings” along the U.S.-Mexico border, raising religious liberty concerns among faith-based groups and religious organizers helping migrants with medical needs and shelter.