For the last two years, the U.S. government has expelled people fleeing persecution and violence. The message to millions of migrants was clear: your lives aren’t worth protecting. This was done under the authority of Title 42—a public health rule used during the pandemic to restrict access to asylum.
Yesterday, Title 42 ended. Yet even as we celebrate its expiration, we know that the right to pursue safety in the United States remains threatened.
The Biden administration, anticipating an increased volume of people seeking asylum, recently released a plan that features new restrictions on eligibility. These make it extremely difficult to exercise the right to seek protection.
Meanwhile, the House passed a harsh border security and immigration bill yesterday. H.R. 2 would reestablish the use of family detention and eliminate humanitarian aid programs that offer support for arriving migrants, preventing Congress from ever funding them in the future. These are malicious steps in the wrong direction. FCNL joined the American Friends Service Committee in opposing this legislation.
The fundamental right to seek refuge is protected under international and domestic law. (Read more from FCNL’s Marcia Orellana.) For us, as people of faith and conscience, our call to welcome the stranger and care for the vulnerable is even clearer. Rather than punishing people seeking protection, we should be building the infrastructure needed to safely and efficiently process new arrivals. The U.S. government should also invest in a sustainable, community-based system of welcome.
One of our greatest moral callings as a society is to protect the vulnerable. Human movement cannot be prevented. People will always pursue safety and freedom. We must work to ensure welcome, inclusion, dignity, shared security, and compassion for those seeking refuge in our country.
Elsewhere
Fifth Anniversary of U.S. Withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal
Monday marked five years since former President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the Iran Nuclear Deal. This regrettable move undermined global security and disrupted the lives of millions of Iranians. It is still possible to salvage diplomacy with Iran. Success depends on increased political will to de-escalate tensions, build trust, and bring all parties back to the negotiating table.
Mass Shooting Rocks Texas Community
Once again, our hearts are broken by another devastating and senseless act of gun violence—this time, a shooting at a mall in Allen, TX, where eight people aged 3 to 37 were killed by a far-right extremist. There have been more mass shootings than days in 2023. Our communities need relief. In the face of political inaction by the 118th Congress, we are pushing lawmakers to invest in community-based programs that interrupt cycles of violence.
U.S. and China Hold Talks Amid Russia’s War in Ukraine
Officials from the United States and China met this week to discuss global security issues, including Russia’s war against Ukraine, and stabilize relations between our nations. Encouragingly, the two sides agreed to continue to act as a “strategic channel of communication.”
Debt Ceiling Showdown: Here’s What You Need to Know
With the nation rapidly approaching its debt limit and a fierce debate over our national budget, critical investments in our common life together are at severe risk of being cut. Register to join FCNL and interfaith partners on May 24 to learn more about how you can help shape the debate.
Advocacy Teams Creatively Advance Peacebuilding Agenda
This year FCNL’s Advocacy Teams are working to meaningfully shift federal spending priorities to save lives, prevent suffering, and save U.S. taxpayer dollars by investing in peacebuilding programs. They are building relationships across the aisle through persistent and creative advocacy. Check out this recent example—a powerful letter to the editor of The Salt Lake Tribune. Sign up to learn more about the Advocacy Teams program.
The Friends Committee on National Legislation is a national, nonpartisan Quaker organization that lobbies Congress and the administration to advance peace, justice, and environmental stewardship. This Week in the World. The FCNL weekly newsletter of advocacy actions and updates and opportunities to take action on the issues you care about.