NJFON responds to President Trump’s Executive Orders
National Justice for Our Neighbors vehemently opposes President Trump’s two enforcement-focused executive orders announced on Wednesday, January 25, 2017. These announcements are grounded in fear, not in fact. They call for actions that are expensive, unnecessary, and antithetical to JFON’s values of compassion and dignity for all individuals.
As people of faith, we are called upon to seek mercy, do justice, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Times change; governments change; yet these commands remain unchanged. JFON will continue to stand with our immigrant brothers and sisters. We will fight for them, and alongside them.
The two Executive Orders focus on border security and interior enforcement. While we are still learning their ramifications and reach, key points include:
- Construct a southern border wall
- Boost border patrol forces and increase the number of immigration enforcement officers who carry out deportations
- End “catch and release,” in essence guaranteeing that immigrants and asylum-seekers are continuously detained and denied freedom, with no regard to humanitarian concerns
- Cut off federal funding to sanctuary cities and counties, which have chosen to not cooperate with ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in favor of protecting their residents
- Prioritize deportation of certain immigrants (this encompasses not only “criminals” but a range of other categories, including those who have been charged with a crime but not convicted)
“We strongly denounce President Trump’s widespread attack yesterday on immigrants and refugees, announced through two executive orders,” states NJFON Executive Director Rob Rutland-Brown. “These enforcement-focused actions do not reflect the values which JFON upholds, including promoting family unity, protecting access to our justice system, and defending vulnerable populations. Now—more than ever before—is the time to open our arms and our hearts to immigrants.”
We expect more executive orders to be announced soon, including an assault on our nation’s refugee program. We will keep you informed of these actions and provide as many specific ways to engage as possible. In the meantime, thank you for your compassion, your advocacy, and for standing with us and our immigrant neighbors.
