Washington, DC – What a difference a quarter of a mile makes. While the House of Representatives is engaging in oversight of the administration’s many cruel, inhumane, and often illogical immigration priorities, just across the Hill the Senate seems to be engaged in administrative apologetics. Even though only a few blocks physically separate the two houses of Congress, a wide chasm separates them on their constitutional duty to provide a check and a balance on the administration.
Once again, we see the Senate Judiciary Committee engaging in dog-whistle politics – perpetuating and buying into the notion that immigrants are to be feared rather than welcomed, to be repelled rather than embraced. As a person of faith, I find this crass and disingenuous hearing a disgrace.
Katie Adams, Domestic Policy Advocate for the United Church of Christ and Co-Chair of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC)
On Wednesday, October 30, the House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties is holding a hearing on “The Administration’s Decision to Deport Critically Ill Children and Their Families,” a policy that IIC and its member organizations roundly criticized. After delaying their appearance and refusing to produce documents requested by the Committee, Ken Cuccinelli, Acting Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Matthew T. Albence, Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are expected to finally testify.
On Thursday, October 24, the House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties is holding a hearing on “The Administration’s Decision to Deport Critically Ill Children and Their Families,” a policy that IIC and its member organizations roundly criticized. After delaying their appearance and refusing to produce documents requested by the Committee, Ken Cuccinelli, Acting Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Matthew T. Albence, Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are expected to finally testify.
Then, on Thursday, November 7, the House Committee on Homeland Security will hold a field hearing entitled “Immigration Raids: Impacts and Aftermath on Mississippi Communities” at Tougaloo College in Mississippi. The hearing will examine the impact of the Trump administration’s decision to arrest nearly 700 people in the largest workplace immigration raid in historical memory, on August 7 of this year. Trump flippantly described this as a “very successful day,” while many spouses, children, and community members consider it to be the worst day of their lives.
On the other side of the Capitol, the Senate continues to coddle and provide cover for the Trump administration, instead of conducting any oversight or enforcing accountability. Tomorrow, the Senate Judiciary Committee is holding yet another hearing to try to “change the subject” from Trump’s impeachment inquiry and failed military and diplomatic strategies that have lead to the deaths of more innocent civilians.
The faith community has long stood in opposition to proposals that force state and local police to serve as federal immigration agents–for reasons of public safety, separation of powers, and basic humanity.
Adams concluded: “When it comes to oversight and accountability, the contrast between House and Senate could not be clearer or more critical to the country.”
The Interfaith Immigration Coalition is made up of 53 national, faith-based organizations brought together across many theological traditions with a common call to seek just policies that lift up the God-given dignity of every individual. In partnership, we work to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all refugees and migrants.
Follow us on Twitter @interfaithimm
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