Secure and Protect Act of 2019

Please join Church World Service in opposing  S.1494, the so-called “Secure and Protect Act of 2019,” introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham. This bill would eliminate protections for children and victims of human trafficking, dismantle the U.S. asylum system, and further reduce refugee admissions. S.1494 so that people seeking safety are welcomed and protected.

Call Today: Tell Your Senators to Protect Children and Asylum Seekers


Click here to receive a call that connects you to your 2 Senators.

Sample Script: “I’m your constituent from [City, State], and [as a person of faith], I urge you to oppose S.1494, the “Secure and Protect Act of 2019.” I call on you to protect refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrant children. The situation at our Southwest border must be treated as a humanitarian crisis, rather than as an immigration enforcement issue. I call on you to reject the “Secure and Protect Act,” which would dismantle protections for unaccompanied children and asylum seekers, returning them to harm. My community welcomes asylum seekers and immigrants, and I urge you to do the same.”
Amplify on Social Media: Share this message with your Senators & Representatives on social media!

• [@SENATOR] I call on you to say NO to S.1494 so that people seeking safety are welcomed and protected - especially children. #RiseforRefuge #NORefugeeBans
• [@SENATOR] I call on you to oppose S.1494 and to be bold in choosing moral and justice policies which provide the vulnerable protection. #RiseforRefuge #NORefugeeBans

CWS's statement opposing this bill is available here. Interfaith talking points are available here. 

Thank you for taking action - and please share this alert with your networks!
In solidarity,

Oppose Trump Administration’s Latest Attack on Struggling Americans

Once again the Administration is waging an attack against SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as food stamps. Modify the suggested language to make it your own comment. The material below “Comment Now” is additional information and analysis regarding the proposal, hunger and poverty in the U.S. 

Let the Administration know that the proposed rule to limit SNAP would increase hunger and poverty in this country, especially for working families with children whose net incomes are below the poverty line, and families and seniors with even a small amount of savings who would be kicked off of SNAP. Comment now!

Tell your governor to be a climate leader.

The Dirty Power Plan replaces an Obama-era rule that would have cut carbon pollution from the electric power sector by 32 percent by 2030. The Trump administration's replacement would slow these cuts, at a time when we need even steeper emissions reductions to avoid the worst impacts of global warming.

Fortunately, states can take the lead when the federal government won't. There's a lot we can do at the state level to slow climate change. In fact, with the stroke of a pen, your governor can start ratcheting down emissions right now.

Tell your governor to be a climate leader.

Tell your governor to take action. Earlier this year, our national research partner Environment America Research & Policy Center released a list of actions governors can take to slow global warming, including: 3 Leading by example by requiring state agencies to use clean sources for their energy needs, adopting and encouraging electric vehicles, and making climate-friendly purchasing decisions.

Setting targets for emissions cuts and electric vehicle expansion in states across the country. Setting strong goals helps focus state agencies and the public on charting a path to a cleaner, greener future.

Incentivizing electric vehicles to make it easier for Americans to replace their gas-burning cars with zero-emission electric vehicles.

Collaborating with neighboring states in regional climate initiatives.

...and more.

From pulling out of the Paris climate agreement to rolling back the federal Clean Power Plan and Clean Cars Standards, the Trump administration has failed to lead in tackling the climate crisis. It's more important than ever that governors across the country pick up the slack.

Tell your governor: It's time for your state to lead on climate.

Participate in Social Justice Advocacy

Vote on American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 H.R. 6

This week, we expect that the House will vote on the American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 (H.R. 6), a bill that provides a permanent solution for the millions of Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients who have been in this country a very long time.

Please take time to call your member of Congress and urge your Representative to pass a clean H.R. 6 bill to recognize and protect the millions of our integral community members without harmful amendments.

Dreamers and TPS recipients were thrown into legal limbo when President Trump canceled their temporary protections. It is long past time for Congress to provide a permanent solution which includes a pathway to citizenship for these community members. When H.R. 6 is brought to a vote, the House should uphold its spirit. We urge Congress to provide a workable pathway to citizenship without amending the bill so that it undermines justice or the safety of other migrants.

Please call and urge your Representative (202) 224-3121 and ask him or her to pass a clean H.R. 6 bill to recognize and protect the millions of our integral community members without harmful amendments.

Suggested Script:

Good morning/afternoon. My name is [NAME]. I’m a constituent and a [CATHOLC SISTER/PERSON OF FAITH]. I am calling to urge Representative [NAME] to vote YES on the American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 (H.R. 6). We made a promise to protect millions of Dreamers, TPS recipients, and DED holders from detention and deportation. These are people who have built their lives in our communities. It is time for Congress to act on that promise and provide them with a workable pathway to citizenship.

As you consider this legislation, I urge you to reject amendments based in fear and discrimination that erode our principles of restorative justice and equity. Please support a clean American Dream and Promise Act to provide permanent relief to the millions of immigrants who are already an integral part of our society.

Can we count on Representative [NAME] to support a clean American Dream and Promise Act?

Thank you for your time and for your support of the immigrant members of our community.

Support a Repeal of the 2001 AUMF

For the first time in more than 18 years, the House of Representatives could pass legislation that would end the blank check for wars around the world. This is particularly important now that there is talk about possible military engagement with Venezuela and Iran. Below is a simple email to send to your representative.

Your congressional representatives are in their home districts this week. Pay them a visit about any of your concerns.

Send an email to your representative. Tell them that you support a repeal of the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF). Write Congress.

Shepherd of the Hills School Retreat

As a part of their retreat seventh and eighth grade students from Shepherd of the Hills School engage with Sister Ruth in a discussion about leadership.