National Justice for Our Neighbors Responds to the
Trump Administration’s Immigration Suspension
Last night, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation in an effort to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States. This ban, effective on Thursday, April 23, 2020, will last for 60 days.
The executive order claims this unprecedented step is necessary to protect our nation’s workforce as we experience the economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis. However, it is clear to us that it is aimed at curbing family-based immigration and will harm U.S. citizens and green card holders seeking to reunite with family.
It also builds on several anti-immigrant policies put forward by the administration in the last several years by closing off almost all legal pathways to immigration.
Targeting immigrants does nothing to achieve economic justice and only further marginalizes and dehumanizes our immigrant communities. This proclamation is antithetical to the shared values of our nation, our faith, and of our Justice for Our Neighbors Network.
We welcome immigrants. We know they strengthen our communities and our economy. We believe all families belong together.
These groups of individuals will be included in the ban:
- Individuals currently outside of the United States who are seeking a green card;
- Individuals who do not have an immigrant visa that is valid on the effective date of the proclamation (this can apply to individuals in the United States, but it is unclear whether or not individuals who have started immigration applications and are waiting for a visa will be impacted);
- Individuals who do not have an official travel document—a transportation letter, an appropriate boarding foil, or an advance parole document that permits entry to the United States—that becomes valid on or is issued after the effective date of this proclamation.
- Adult children (over 21) and parents, of U.S citizens. who are currently outside the country, and who are seeking to immigrate and reunify with family;
- All family (spouses, minor and adult children, parents etc.) of Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) who are outside of the country and are seeking to immigrate.
The ban does not apply to:
- U.S. Citizens
- U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders)
- Individuals entering the U.S. on non-immigrant visas
- Individuals who are present in the U.S. and applying for adjustment of status
- Individuals entering on immigrant visas as medical professionals
- Those seeking entry to the U.S. to do COVID-related work, and their spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old
- Individuals seeking to enter on the EB-5 Immigrant Investors Program
- Spouses and children under 21 years old of U.S. Citizens
- Individuals “whose entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives”
- Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses and children
- Nationals of Afghanistan and Iraq who are entering the U.S. on Special Immigrant Visas for having served as interpreters for the U.S. Armed Forces, and their spouses and children
- Those seeking asylum, refugee status, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT)
- Anyone whose entry is deemed to be in the “national interest”
Now, more than ever, we are reminded of the importance of family, unity, and grace. It is unforgivable that our immigrant communities, which we all depend on to keep this country running, especially during the current crisis, are targeted in this ban. We must lift our voices in opposition to this anti-family, anti-immigrant executive order now.
We hope you will join our CALL TO ACTION to contact your senators and representatives today.
In the meantime, please…stay strong, stay safe, and thank you.
