Blessing Not Burden | March 31, 2022

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This month the U.S. declared that it will accept up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. We celebrate this much-needed aid for Ukrainian refugees, who are fleeing en masse from the violence inflicted by Russian forces. While we mourn for Ukrainians, we also mourn for the many other displaced people around the world who also need safety. Our God is concerned for all who are oppressed, and our Lord calls us to welcome strangers, so we continue to advocate for just policies for all people experiencing displacement.

Support Continued Safety for Afghan Refugees

Months after tens of thousands of people fled danger and persecution in Afghanistan, we’re still advocating for Afghan evacuees. Afghan evacuees deserve continued safety in the United States beyond the year or two that humanitarian parole currently allows them. An Afghan Adjustment Act would ensure a path to legal permanent residence for Afghan evacuees, acknowledging their unique circumstances and the safety they deserve. Urge your Members of Congress to pass an Afghan Adjustment Act today!

A Word from Our Friends at Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates

“Ukrainians are deserving of immediate U.S. aid, as are all displaced peoples, regardless of skin color.” This is the crux of a recent blog post from Sarah Yore-Van Oosterhout, the founder and managing attorney at Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates (LIA). Read Sarah’s challenge to readers and call to action.

Sarah started LIA in 2015 to help meet the need for low-cost legal assistance to refugees and immigrants. Find out more about what LIA does and how to help (if you are in West Michigan).

Humanitarian Protection in Black, Brown, and White

In light of recent evets, in which the pain and suffering of some are met with refuge and legal protection while others face border walls and imprisonment, JJ TenClay from the RCA challenges us to welcome all in her recent blog post for Do Justice. Read through to the end of her post to find out more about how to welcome all in both Canada and the United States.

Rule Change: Asylum Officers Can Decide Cases

A new rule published by the Department of Homeland Security signifies big changes for asylum seekers, specifically to the asylum process at the U.S.-Mexico border. The rule would allow U.S. asylum officers to make decisions on the applications of recent asylum applicants, rather than sending them through the lengthy court process for a judge to decide. We celebrate this change, which will hopefully lead to fewer court backlogs and therefore shorter wait times for families waiting for their cases to be heard. Read more about the new rule.

Do Justice Podcast

Do you listen to podcasts on your commute or when you’re out and about? Give us a listen! Last month we wrapped up Season 4. We're busy working on our next season, so make sure you're subscribed—which you can do wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to leave us a quick review to help us reach new audiences!

Change the Conversation/In Case You Missed It

As Russia continues a violent invasion of Ukraine, we invite you to join us in prayer. This prayer was written by a Resonate missionary in Ukraine, Rev. George de Vuyst, at the beginning of the invasion. Our topical prayers go out twice each week. Subscribe here to receive them each week.

We've been working hard to spread the truth about the blessings of immigrants in our country and to counter myths that have the power to turn into policy that harms our immigrant brothers and sisters.

We can’t do it without you. Help continue this important work.

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