On Monday, January 20th, President Trump issued several executive orders making changes to policies that impact the individuals we serve at JFCS, including refugees, asylum seekers and humanitarian parolees, and those in the LGBTQ+ community.
The government is suspending the Refugee Resettlement Program for at least four months and will admit refugees only on a rare, case-by-case basis. A report will be issued in 90 days to assess the program’s future.
The government has cited arguments that are not backed by data:
- Our communities cannot welcome refugees and immigrants.
- Refugees use too many government resources.
- Refugees are incapable of assimilating and paying taxes.
What JFCS is doing:
JFCS remains committed to providing services to immigrants and refugees. Our programs are still active, and we will continue offering services to all currently enrolled in our programs.
Securing Our Borders and Protect the American People Against Invasion
The government will resume efforts to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and will deport individuals who cross the border without authorization. They have also deactivated the CBP One app, which allowed many immigrants to submit their applications to enter the country while waiting at the border. Additionally, the government is terminating the humanitarian visa programs created during the Biden administration that allowed immigrants from specific countries (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela) to legally work and live in the United States.
What JFCS is doing:
The humanitarian visa programs that JFCS is involved in remain active. We will continue to provide services to both former and existing clients.
The Executive Order is unclear about what it means to terminate the humanitarian visa programs. We do not know if this will only impact new arrivals or if it will also affect individuals who are currently living in the U.S. under parole status.
Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship
The current administration is interpreting the Fourteenth Amendment differently than previous governments. They are stating that citizenship is tied to the citizenship of parents. Under this interpretation, a baby born in the U.S. would only become a citizen if one of the parents is a green card holder or a U.S. citizen.
What JFCS is doing:
JFCS will continue to work with partners to advocate for the rights of immigrants and refugees. We will ramp up our advocacy efforts with local, state and federal leaders to ensure they understand the valuable contributions that immigrants bring to our country.
This Executive Order will likely be the most contentious, with multiple lawsuits already filed. We do not know yet how this will impact children of undocumented immigrants or those on work visas, humanitarian visas, or student visas.
Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to provide guidance expanding on the sex-based definitions set forth in this order. This includes removing LGBTQ+ language from federal agencies and documents and limiting recognition to only men and women. The order also ensures that federal funding is not allocated for medical care to LGBTQ+ communities related to transitioning to their desired gender identity.
What JFCS is doing:
JFCS will continue to respect the gender identity of all staff and individuals we serve. We will continue to use preferred gender pronouns and promote a culture of inclusivity and respect for the rights of members of the LGBTQ+ community.
We celebrate the richness and diversity of our community and the many contributions that all make that support the growth, vitality and beauty of our region and country. In the face of these changes, JFCS is steadfast in its commitment to support and work with the entire community to navigate these changes.
For those wondering how you can help and embrace community members most directly affected by these changes, consider volunteering or making financial or in-kind donations. Your support will allow us to continue to serve refugees, immigrants, youth, older adults, and many others in our community so that they can thrive. Learn more about ways to volunteer here, purchase items from wishlists for refugee and immigrant households or donate financially.