Urge Congress and the Administration to Uphold US Refugee and Immigration Laws that Reflect the Rule of Law

At Jesuit Refugee Service/USA, we serve, accompany, and advocate for and with refugees in 58 countries around the world. We know from experience that when the rule of law is not respected, the consequences are severe: forced displacement, abuses during migration, and the denial of protection in host countries. 

The rule of law is more than a legal ideal—it is a vital safeguard for human dignity. The World Justice Project outlines four core principles at its heart: 

• Accountability of government and its leaders to the law 

• Fair, publicized, and stable laws 

• Accessible and impartial legal processes 

• Independent lawyers and judges 

In the United States, the rule of law is grounded in: 

• The separation of powers among three co-equal branches of government 

• Constitutional rights, including due process protections, that apply to all persons—not only US citizens 

Now is the time to urge Congress and the Administration to uphold these standards by: 

• Respecting judicial independence and upholding court decisions 

• Fully implementing refugee resettlement and overseas assistance programs 

• Ensuring all enforcement actions safeguard religious freedom 

• Preserving the constitutional right to birthright citizenship 

Let’s ensure that our nation’s refugee and immigration policies reflect the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law.