Ask Congress to Support Asylum-Seekers and Oppose 'Remain in Mexico' Policy

Implemented in January 2019, the "Migrant Protection Protocols" or “Remain in Mexico” policy has required asylum-seekers to return to Mexico to wait for the duration of their U.S. immigration court proceedings. As of January 2, 2020, over 56,000 migrants have been returned to Mexico under the policy.

According to U.S. immigration law, it is legal for asylum-seekers to remain in the U.S. while their cases are pending. It allows them access to lawyers, and the opportunity to work and live safely while they await their day in court. This policy change is a drastic departure from previous practice, and likely violates U.S. and international law. But more importantly, it places a potentially dangerous, immoral, and unjust burden on an already vulnerable population.

In Deuteronomy 10:19, and in many other places in Scripture, we are reminded that, “You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Extending hospitality is a calling for all those who follow Jesus, which includes defending the safety and dignity of those who are most vulnerable and away from home.

Ask your Member of Congress to speak out against this harmful policy and hold DHS accountable to process asylum claims with efficiency and effectiveness so that asylum-seekers are not made more vulnerable. 

Read a Backgrounder or return to the Office of Social Justice website.

Contact Congress and DHS today!

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Please encourage others to act by sharing on social media.

My name is [Name] and I am a consituant from [City, State]. 

I am calling in regards to the FIRST STEP Act which passed in the House as H.R. 5682. As a Christian, I believe that redemption is at the heart of the my faith. I believe that people made in the image of God are more than the worst thing they’ve ever done, and support policies that provide opportunities for rehabilitation.

As you may know, the FIRST STEP Act is a bipartisan supported criminal justice reform bill that supports “back end” changes to the system by providing increased resources and incentives towards rehabilitation.

The bill encourages inmates to participate in more vocational and rehabilitative programs, by letting them get “earned time credits” that allow them to be released early to halfway houses or home confinement.  The bill would also authorize more funding — $50 million a year over five years — to support vocational and rehabilitative programs.

I am asking that Senator ______ support the FIRST STEP Act.