On January 25, 2017 President Trump signed two executive orders that broadly expanded the jurisdiction and direction for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to carry out deportations, detain migrants indefinitely, and further militarize the U.S.-Mexico border. The order also jeopardizes community trust/sanctuary city policies. On January 27, 2017 he signed another order suspending the refugee resettlement program and effectively banning Muslims from seven countries from entering the United States.
In the wake of these executive orders, you should be urging your Members of Congress to:
- Support legislation that rescinds the Executive Orders pertaining to immigrants and refugees.
- Withhold funding for the border wall and more enforcement personnel.
- Demonstrate support for undocumented immigrants by passing legislation that protects their rights.
- Hold the administration accountable for resettling at least 75,000 refugees, as Congress originally funded.
Top Line Talking Points on President Trump’s Executive Order
- We stand with the American people in strong opposition to these announcements, which separate families, divide communities, and turn our backs on our immigrant community members, and on refugees at the very time when they are most in need of safety. For President Donald Trump to make these announcements during his first days in office is akin to taking a wrecking ball to the statue of liberty, and sends this nation in a downward spiral, dishonoring our best values and disgracing U.S. leadership abroad.
- We staunchly oppose these announcements and we urge all people of faith to express their opposition by calling your members of congress and taking action on social media. These decisions are completely unaligned with American values, will rip families apart, and are out of touch with what our communities want for this country.
- Regardless of who they are or where they come from – whether citizen, immigrant, refugee, asylum seeker – everyone is equally deserving of dignity, welcome, and protection from harm. We vehemently oppose these announcements. As a nation founded in part by refugees and immigrants, these kind of discriminatory, xenophobic policies dishonor our history, beliefs and values.
- We call on members of this new administration and the 115th Congress to do everything in their power to reverse these announcements and to honor our best values as a country.
- Instead of these announcements, we urge the administration to affirm policies that keep families together and help separated family members unite; that prioritize protection and safety for those in danger. We urge the administration to recognize the value of policies that foster trust between local police and immigrant communities, and that strengthen border communities by treating people with dignity and respect. We, and our millions of congregation members around this country, call for policies that will protect refugees from all nationalities and religions.
Read more Talking Points on each Executive Order
Resources for Affected Communities and Service Providers
Informed Immigrant Resources on Executive Orders
FAQs on Refugee Executive Orders
Faith Letters
Evangelical Faith Leaders Refugee Resettlement Letter
Over 3,500 Faith Leaders Support Refugee Resettlement
An Open Letter to President Donald Trump from a Bishop in Jerusalem
Faith Media in Reaction to the Executive Orders
Politico: Christian groups oppose Trump’s preference for Christian refugees
The Hill: Christian groups wary of Trump action on refugees
Faith Statements Standing with Immigrants and Refugees
Friends Committee on National Legislation: Executive Orders on Immigration Fail to Offer Solutions
Friends Committee on National Legislation: Muslim Ban is Reprehensible
Jesuits of Canada and the U.S. Denounce Plans to Increase Detention and Deportation
World Relief Statement on Refugee Resettlement
Tru’ah: Rabbinic Statement on Un-American Ban of Refugees
National Justice for Our Neighbors: What can I do? Rising Together to Defeat the Ban
Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Statement: Welcoming immigrants and refugees as neighbors
American Friends Service Committee: We will stand against the Muslim ban
American Friends Service Committee: To end violence we need sanctuary, not walls
AJC Statement on Trump Administration Refugee Policy
AJC Statement on Cancelled Meeting of Presidents Pena Nieto and Trump
Sojourners: The Ban is not about National Security
Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) Expresses Deep Concern about Executive Orders
Sisters of Mercy Oppose Trump Administration Executive Actions
Sisters of Mercy Decries Trump Administration’s Orders that Harm Refugees and Immigrants
NETWORK: Donald Trump need not be afraid of immigrants, refugees, and children
CLINIC: Immigration Order Weaken Core American Values
CLINIC: Refugee Order Closes Doors to Vulnerable Refugees
The RAC: Reform Jewish Leader Denounces Misguided Border Wall Plan
