Last week, President Trump issued a series of Executive Orders which pose significant threats to immigrants and refugees both currently in the U.S. and those planning to arrive in our country seeking safety and security. The Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States and Jesuit Refugee Service/USA have issued statements denouncing these Executive Orders and we ask you to take action as well.

Under the guise of national security, President Trump has called for an increase in the detention and deportation of immigrants, imposing on local law enforcement the responsibility to participate in these harmful processes, and has reinforced promises to further divide the United States from its neighbors.

In addition, provisions were put into effect that jeopardize the safety of refugees seeking protection in the U.S. by suspending the entire U.S. refugee resettlement program for 120 days, reducing this year’s refugee arrivals from an anticipated 110,000 to 50,000, prioritizing refugee claims of those who are religious minorities over others who may have equally compelling claims, and the banning of both immigrant and non-immigrant arrivals from seven Muslim countries.

These dramatic and discriminatory policies will only harm, not help, U.S. interests and our national security. They fly in the face of the core American values of welcoming persecuted families and individuals who come to the U.S. to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity and are an affront to all immigrants and refugees who make a positive contribution to our communities.

Now is the time for those who believe in the values our country was built on to stand up and make their voices heard. Please take action today!

Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States

Jesuit Refugee Service/USA