MIGRATION MONTHLY

JAN

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CCUSA Refugee and Immigrat ion Serv ices

Purpose of the Monthly

Presentation

3. Strengthen Agency Networks

1. Support Immigration &

Refugee Programs

2. Share Resources

Challenges to TPS and DED Terminations and Other TPS-Related Litigation

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, or DHS, has announced the

termination of Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, designations for nationals of

Sudan, Nicaragua, Haiti, El Salvador, Nepal and Honduras, and the termination of

Deferred Enforced Departure, or DED, for Liberia. In the wake of these termination

decisions, several different cases have been filed in U.S district courts. The basis of

most challenges is that the decisions stemmed from racial discrimination, violated

required Immigration and Nationality Act, INA, and Administrative Procedures Act,

or APA, procedures, and infringed on the Constitutional rights of TPS beneficiaries.

In addition, two lawsuits have been filed seeking to protect the rights of certain

TPS beneficiaries to adjust to lawful permanent residence status in the United

States despite recent unlawful changes to USCIS policy. A brief summary of each

case can be read here.

CLINIC Updates

CCUSA Updates

• The Biden Administration is rumored to be releasing an immigration plan imminently:

Read more.

• Nebraska Governor claims no undocumented workers should be working in

meatpacking plants and will not be given vaccine priority without immigration status:

Read more.

• Acting DHS Secretary Wolf (who may not have legally been serving according to court

order) resigns: Read more.

• CLINIC’s Biden Administration Recommendations: Read more.

• Rebuilding the Refugee Network: Read more.

Selected Resources

USCCB/MRS Testimony on Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing on Hong Kong Refugees

On December 16, 2020, USCCB/MRS Executive Director Bill Canny submitted written testimony to the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Border and Immigration for their hearing entitled "Supporting Hong Kong's Pro-Democracy Movement through Refugee Policy."

In his testimony, the MRS Executive Director called on the U.S. government to provide access to refugee resettlement, asylum, andalternative pathways that would provide protection for Hong Kongersfleeing political persecution.

See the hearing on the committee's website.

USCCB/MRS

Updates

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Ongoing Opportunity with National Public Radio's (NPR) StoryCorps:RCUSA, Refugee Congress, and USA for UNHCR have partnered with StoryCorps on a project called American Pathways. This project focuses on uplifting the stories of refugees, asylees, and other vulnerable migrants currently living in the USA through informal recorded conversations on topics from the refugee journey, current life events, things that bring us joy, challenges, and more. If you know of any individuals who would be interested in participating, have them email Nili Sarit Yossinger (nili.yossinger@refugeecongress.org). Participants are able to be anonymous if preferred.

Moving Beyond Pandemic — A Podcast from Migration Policy InstituteThe COVID-19 pandemic has scrambled just about every aspect of human mobility. It led governments around the world to close their external borders and, in some cases, impose internal border restrictions. It brought international travel to near shutdown in the early months, with a halting recovery since. And it placed much of migration on ice. The repercussions of this dramatic halt to mobility will be profound, and will almost certainly lead to transformations and innovations that will reshape travel and migration for the foreseeable future—maybe even permanently. Moving Beyond Pandemic explores the questions and challenges confronting policymakers, airport and other transportation hub operators, travelers, and others as mobility slowly resumes. Listen to the podcast here.

"School During a Pandemic" Fact Sheet Resource from Catholic Charities Community Services in Phoenix, AZ from USCCB/MRS and Catholic Charities Community Services in Phoenix, AZ:These resources can be located on MRSConnect on the COVID-19 page here, which includes translated

versions in Arabic, English, Farsi, French, Spanish, Swahili, and Tigrinya.

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Resources for LIHEAP Eligibility and EnrollmentThe Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists eligible low-income households with their heating and cooling energy costs, bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, weatherization and energy-related home repairs. Review LIHEAP’s Eligibility Checker to learn more about LIHEAP eligibility requirements

for your state.

USAHello Resource Understanding the Capitol RiotsClick here to view USAHello's article (available in English, Spanish, and Arabic) on the Capitol riots in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021. This article explains some of the background of what happened and is written specifically for immigrants and refugees.

Legal Update: Refugee ResettlementOn Friday, January 8, a 3-judge panel of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously upheld the district court's injunction blocking President Trump's executive order, which sought to require prior written consent of states and localities in order to resettle refugees. The lawsuit was filed by the International Refugee Assistance Project on behalf of CWS, HIAS and LIRS. The court’s decision means that President Trump's executive order (EO 13888) remains blocked and cannot be implemented. The government has a 45-day period to request that the full Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals review the decision (called "en banc review") and a 90-day period to consider whether it will seek the Supreme Court's review. After that time period expires, the case may go back to the District Court for further actions in light of the Fourth Circuit's decision. For additional information on the court case, see this Washington Post article.

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New for 2021: Justice for Immigrants Transition Documents

Justice for Immigrants Core Members have collaborated on a series of documents that represent the collective recommendations of JFI for the incoming Biden Administration and the 117th Congress. The documents, divided into four different areas, are:

Ensuring Access to Lawful Status and Citizenship: Addresses both those already living in the U.S., such as Dreamers and TPS holders, and those seeking to migrate, such as refugees, while also emphasizing the importance of family unity and treating all migrants with dignity, regardless of income, race, or religion.

Guaranteeing Just and Humane Border Policies: Focuses on the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border, including policies such as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), and highlights the need for reform in order to cultivate a more humane approach to border management and ensure due process.

Reforming Enforcement and Ending Mass Detention: Critiques current detention and deportation policies, especially their use as a deterrent to migration, and proposes solutions for reforming the system, including the increased use of meaningful community-based alternatives to detention (ATDs) and ensuring protections for vulnerable populations.

Addressing Root Causes of Migration from Central America: Identifies challenges in U.S. foreign policy, international assistance, and trade, and advocates for approaches to these issues that further the common good and recognize the right to a dignified life for all people. A page has also been created on the JFI website for these documents.

What’s Happening

in January?

January is Anti-Trafficking MonthJoin USCCB/MRS in commemorating

National Slavery and Human Trafficking

Prevention Month - decreed by presidential

proclamation since 2010!

The tool kit, co-developed by the Coalition

of Catholic Organizations against Human

Trafficking has excellent ways for you to

work to end human trafficking in your

community and with your parish throughout

the month of January and on February 8th,

an annual day of prayer and awareness

against human trafficking. The 8th of

February is also the Feast Day for St.

Josephine Bakhita: "a shining advocate of

genuine emancipation."

What’s Happening

in January?

MLK Day of ServiceJanuary 18,2021 is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and a National Day of Service.

CCUSA encourages local Catholic Charities to host

and/or participate in events to celebrate his

profound legacy and leverage the goodwill of

volunteers across the nation.

To help brainstorm what type of event your

organization could host, check out this service

event ideas flyer and other project resources. There

are a variety of toolkits available for adverstising

your event, including through Mobilize America and

All for Good. For virtual MLD Day of Service events,

check out this virtual event best practices guide.

For in-person events, review this Health & Safety

Guidance and consider using this free

polypropylene face mask request form if needed

for your event.

What’s Happening

in January?

Apply for the 2021 Catholic Social

Ministry Gathering: “Make justice your

aim” (cf. Is 1:17), Rebuilding Together” Registration Fee Scholarship

While the virtual gathering is not until February 6-9,

2021, this year only, scholarships are available to

cover a portion of the registration fee. Apply now!

The application deadline is January 19, 2021.

Don’t miss this transformative annual gathering for

leaders in Catholic social ministry and advocacy!

This year, we will pray, learn, and advocate

together on the disparities revealed by COVID-19

and re-imagine new models of justice and

solidarity.

To register or for more information visit here. Join the discussion and be part of the solution!

CCUSA Financial Education AmeriCorps ProgramCCUSA is currently looking for additional grantee(s) for the Financial Education AmeriCorps program to fulfill one full time slot or one half time slot or both a full time and half time slot! The AmeriCorps members in this program will use the FDIC Money Smart curriculum to educate clients of all ages on how to enhance their financial skills and create positive banking relationships. This program will help clients improve financial literacy and navigate financial decisions more efficiently. If your agency is interested in hosting an AmeriCorps member to serve in your community, please reach out to Sarah Hendley at SHendley@CatholicCharitiesUSA.org

AmeriCorps VISTA Funding Opportunities Webinar and Request for ProposalsCCUSA is taking applications for the Family Strengthening AmeriCorps VISTA program! Join this webinar to learn more about AmeriCorps VISTA and how this program could help expand your existing programming through the power of national service. The Family Strengthening program focuses on the foundational services that Catholic Charities provides, allowing it to be a broad-based program that can support a variety of program types and interventions. VISTAs in this program support strengthening families through indirect activities, capacity building activities, such as fundraising and resource development, communications and social media, outreach, partnership building, volunteer management, and parish outreach, and much more! In this webinar, CCUSA will review sub-grantee expectations, estimated costs, and allowable activities. Bring your creative ideas to the session and consider if this program is right for your agency. Date: Jan 28, 2021. Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM EST. Register for the webinar here.

Position Opening: Director, Children’s Services, Migration and Refugee Services, USCCBUSCCB’s Migration and Refugee Services Office has a position opening for a Director of Children’s Services. For more informationand to apply, click here.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Immigration Policy Preview: CLINIC’s Recommendations for the Biden-Harris Administration Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 2:00- 03:30PM ESTJoin the CLINIC Advocacy team for a policy discussion on the first 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration and beyond! Topics will include CLINIC’s priorities and recommendations, the latest on the Biden-Harris administration’s stated plans and strategies for ensuring that immigration is prioritized from the start. The team will also analyze how policy will translate to the practice ofimmigration law and counseling clients in 2021. Register here.

CLINIC: Three-Part Webinar Series: All About Public Charge Inadmissibility Monday, January 25, 2021 – February 8, 2021; 2:00-3:30PM EST | $$The Biden administration has promised to reverse the current U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and Department of State public charge rules, but it is unclear how long that will take to accomplish. In the meantime, adjustment of status applicants must file the Form I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency, and be prepared to satisfy this stringent public charge test at their adjustment interviews. In addition, they must also submit a legally sufficient affidavit of support, whose requirements have only gotten tighter.In this three-webinar series, CLINIC attorneys Charles Wheeler and Ilissa Mira will guide practitioners through the key points in the regulations and agency policy guidance; review best practices in completing the forms and assembling supporting documents; and discuss strategies for advocating why your client is not likely to become a public charge. Register here.

Introduction to Creating Impactful Partnerships with your Local Health SystemsTuesday, January 26, 2021 at 2:00PM ESTCatholic Charities USA’s Integrated Health Team is excited to invite you to join a special webinar - "Introduction to Creating Impactful Partnerships with your Local Health Systems – The Provider Perspective". Presenters from four health systems will discuss the scope and success of their partnerships with local Catholic Charities and social service providers. This webinar is part of a series of presentations focused on providing guidance and information to local Catholic Charities agencies interested in forming new orenhancing existing partnerships with their local health system. Successful partnerships that address the health and the social determinants of health of clients is beneficial to all community stakeholders. We hope you are able to join! Register here.W

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Trauma and Self Care: Tools for Parish Social MinistersTuesday, January 26, 2021 at 3:00PM ESTServing during the pandemic has been extraordinarily difficult for many parish social ministers at Catholic Charities agencies, Dioceses, and parishes. Client needs are overwhelming, parish activities have been restricted or cancelled, and some fear for their jobs. Join this webinar to learn about vicarious trauma, remaining resilient, and how to practice self-care to prevent illness, cope with stress, and how to help you and your community be stronger. Register here.

CLINIC: Using Integration Data to Build Stronger Communities for Long-Term Residents and Newcomers Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 2:00-3:00PM ESTThis webinar will pinpoint the components of a successful integration initiative, detail how to collect important data that can enhance a currently operating integration program, and propose a plan of action for agencies interested in effectively engaging their community in integration efforts. Learn how to garner buy-in from the agency's clients, staff and community members. Additionally, presenters will focus on how to build an initiative designed to address community needs. Register here.

CLINIC: Nuts and Bolts of DACA Filings in 2021 Friday, January 29, 2021 at 2:00-3:30PM ESTThe original 2012 DACA program has been restored! Do you need a refresher on DACA eligibility and how to file initial, renewal and advance parole applications? This webinar for DACA practitioners will discuss the latest USCIS developments, strategies for gathering supporting evidence for various eligibility requirements and practice tips related to advance parole travel.W

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CCUSA: Responding to the

COVID-19 Pandemic

CCUSA remains vigilant in supporting the work your agency is doing on the ground and actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation. As such, any resource that we locate that may be helpful is uploaded to the member-facing COVID-19 resource webpage.

If you have any questions to pose to the network on how other immigration programs are responding to the public health precautions – please feel free to send an inquiry to the RIS listserv: ccusa-immigrants-refugeesservs@maillist.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

If you have any COVID-19 resources please send the information to Zach Cahalan at zcahalan@CatholicCharitiesUSA.org. The information will be posted for public view on CCUSA’s COVID-19 Resource Page.

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COVID-19 Resources for the Community

of Practice

Catholic Charities USA – Refugee and Immigrant Services: COVID-19 Resource Page

USCCB – Justice for Immigrants: COVID-19 Resource Page

Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. – COVID-19 Resource Page

Facts about COVID-19 VaccinesThe CDC's plain language Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines is now available in: Arabic, Spanish, Korean, Russian, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and English. This factsheet is located at the bottom of the What to Expect at Your Appointment to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19 | CDC webpage.

Have anything RIS related you would like included in the monthly presentation?

Any questions or feedback?

Contact Daria Earley

Contact Us

CCUSA Refugee and Immigrat ion Serv ices

Thank you for reading!