Immigration

As people of faith, justice-seekers, and members of immigrant communities, we are united in our commitment to protecting one another. We will continue to stay informed, tell the truth, condemn scapegoating, care for each other, and advocate for a country where everyone thrives, no exceptions.

Ronnate Asirwatham

Government Relations Director

Issues: asylum, refugee resettlement, unaccompanied children, and international human-rights law.

Our Position

We strive for an immigration system that values the basic dignity and human rights of all people with policies that uphold the right to seek asylum, remove barriers to citizenship, and promote and support welcoming communities across the U.S.

Issues

NETWORK Immigration Resources for Spirit-filled Justice-Seekers

Executive order analysis

President Trump's first days in office were filled with a flurry of executive orders targeted at immigrants, immigration, and the time-honored U.S. asylum process. NETWORK's lead immigration lobbyist, Ronnate Asirwatham provides analysis of the Administration's immigration executive orders.

Click to read and download Ronnate's analysis.

Know your rights resources

Everyone in the United States has Constitutional rights, including undocumented immigrants. It is important that you understand your rights if you are approached by law enforcement.

Note: These resources do NOT constitute legal counsel. In these uncertain times, please consult with your (or your congregation's) attorney or local immigration advocacy groups for guidance for your local area.

Know Your Rights for Immigrants (English, half-page)
Know Your Rights for Immigrants (English, one-page)

Know Your Rights for Places of Worship and Motherhouses (English, full version)
Know Your Rights for Places of Worship and Motherhouses (English, one-page)

See the drop-down below for versions of these resources in Spanish.

Learn more:

Click here for more Know Your Rights resources from CLINIC (Catholic Legal Immigration Network)
Click here for helpful videos, preparedness forms, and additional resources from wehaverights.us

Derechos de refugiados e inmigrantes

Nota: Este recurso NO constituye asesoría legal. En estos tiempos de incertidumbre, le recomendamos que consulte con su abogado (o el de su congregación) o con grupos locales de defensa de inmigrantes para recibir orientación específica para su área.

Conozca Sus Derechos
Conozca Sus Derechos - media página

Recursos adicionales:

Conozca Sus Derechos, CLINIC (Catholic Legal Immigration Network)
Tenemos Derechos - vídeos y recursos adicionales

NETWORK Advocates for Federal Policies That:

Remove racism in immigration

Racism in immigration policy persists. Black and Brown asylum seekers in the U.S. are expelled and deported without due process. When allowed to remain, Black and Brown immigrants face racially-motivated obstacles to care, transportation, and other basic needs.

Protect the rights and safety of people migrating to the U.S.

Federal action must be consistent with the fundamental right of families and individuals to fairly and safely seek asylum in the U.S. Will bills or executive actions:

End militarization policies by ending investments in deterrence and military weapons and tactics that criminalize people seeking safety.
In the face of court challenges, protect continued residence in the U.S. for:
- Persons in the U.S. from countries designated in the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, many of whom have resided in the U.S. for decades.
- Young people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
- Immigrants who have received humanitarian parole.

Provide reasonable pathways to citizenship for people living in the U.S. with temporary status

How You Can Help

Nothing at this time. Make sure you are signed up for our emails to received the latest policy updates.

Our Wins

The Biden administration expanded the scope of humanitarian parole to allow legal entry for many immigrants from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Afghanistan, and Ukraine who have a financial sponsor and meet other criteria.
The FY 24 budget provided funds for the Shelter and Services Program to support welcoming communities and help cities and states meet the needs of newly arrived people.
The Biden administration has issued needed regulations to:
- Overturn Trump administration regulations that punished eligible immigrants for receiving federal benefits for which they were legally entitled (the “public charge” rule).
- Provide protections for temporary migrant workers, especially farmworkers, and accountability measures for employers who violate their rights.
The Biden administration expanded access to health care for over 600,000 DACA recipients.
The Biden administration has granted or renewed Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 670,000 immigrants in the U.S. from 17 countries that are deemed unsafe because of violence or natural disasters.