It seems every day there is a new piece of legislation or issue to tackle. Please take some time to educate yourself on these issues. A good place to start is by learning about letters the IWC signed onto during Feb. 2024. Below is a summary of the five letters IWC signed off on during February 2024.
- To: Members of US Congress
From: Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC), signed by 662 faith leaders and 155 faith-based organizations and congregations.
Issue: The letter asks Congress not to approve the “Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024.” (HR 815) This act tied federal funds for Israel and Ukraine with funding for more federal border agents and harsher measures for those seeking asylum.
Result: Success! This act did not pass. - To: Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and State Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
From: Rev. Mark J. Sietz, President US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration. The letter was signed by numerous organizations, but no numbers were released. (Read more on the issue, and see the text of the letter here).
Issue: Same as No. 1 above regarding HR 815
Result: Success! This act did not pass. - To: President Joe Biden and Sec Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas
From: SA Stands and other organizations. Signed by 128 organizations.
Issue: Told them to not sign an agreement with The State of Texas with regards to Texas Senate Bill 602, passed in 2023. This law would allow Texas to deputize Customs and Border Patrol agents at ports of entry allowing them to search, seize and arrest any persons suspected of violating Texas criminal laws.
Result: Neither Pres. Biden nor Secy. Mayorkas have addressed this Texas law and it will probably die because no action was taken. - To: President Joe Biden
From: SA Stands and 150 International, national, state and local faith-based groups signed the letter.
Issue: Express concern and alarm about President Biden considering the use of Executive Orders which will endanger asylum seekers and immigrant communities.
Result: The president has not taken any action yet, but this may be political posturing during an election year. - To: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and a Press Release
From: Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC), signed by 430+ organizations.
Issue: The letter supports Annunciation House and decries Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton suing the organization and charging it with illegal smuggling and practicing illegal immigrant actions.
Result: No action reported by Paxton yet.
