By Rudy López/Interfaith Worker Justice
Most people who see the word ‘refugees’ these days will probably think of the war in Syria, the brash bigotry of some presidential candidates, or the fight between the president and some Republican governors over where to settle Syrians fleeing violence at home.
But just as he opens the doors to refugees from Syria, President Obama is preparing to send hundreds of families fleeing violence in Central America right back into the war zones they risked their lives to escape.
As people of faith and goodwill, we are compelled to honor and respect the inherent dignity of every human being. We challenge President Obama honor the values of his own faith and stop tearing families apart.
Will you call the White House today at 1-888-907-2053 and urge President Obama to stop deporting refugees of war?
As worker justice advocates, we know that immigrants and refugees are the mothers, fathers and children who enrich the fabric of our communities, they are the diligent students and hardworking breadwinners who contribute so much of the work that makes our country great.
Click here to report your call.
In recent weeks the focus of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken to raiding private homes at all hours of the day, according to the Los Angeles Times.
These raids are terrorizing communities across the country as families scramble to understand their rights when interacting with ICE. For example, many people aren’t aware that they can refuse ICE entry into their home if there is no warrant to enter or that they have the right to remain silent.
Call the White House and tell President Obama to instruct the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to stop the raids and give asylum to refugees of war from Central America.
This inhumane treatment of refugees of war must end. President Obama has already deported more than two million people during his presidency. To continue this abhorrent record by deporting children and families back to a war zone is unacceptable.
Interfaith and religious groups have called out the Obama Administration for the “hemispheric bias in our refugee system” which welcomes some refugees and refuses others. Perhaps it is more politically convenient to accept some refugees and turn away others, but human rights should never be used as a political pawn.
Call 1-888-907-2053 and tell President Obama to stop the raids and stop deporting refugees.
You can find a sample script for your call here.
Thanks so much for standing up for refugee rights.
Rudy López
Executive Director
Interfaith Worker Justice
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See also:
* Immigration Raids Send Chill Through Little Village.
* This Is What A Deportation Raid Is Like.
* Illinois Immigrant, Labor, Legal Leaders Condemn ICE Raids.
* Chicago Activists Tell Undocumented Immigrants Not To Open Their Doors.
* A Shameful Round-Up Of Refugees.
* U.S. Government Deporting Central American Migrants To Their Deaths.
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Comments welcome.
Posted on January 9, 2016