The Supreme Court decided Monday to lift the lower courts’ stay on the travel ban and four-month suspension of any new refugee visas introduced by Donald Trump earlier this year. They will hear full arguments on the matter in October.
The nation’s highest court said the 90-day ban on visitors from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, along with a 120-day suspension of the US refugee resettlement program, could be enforced against those who lack a “credible claim of a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States”.
The ruling now paves the way for parts of the ban to come into effect over the summer as experts say it could lead to more scenes of chaos at airports around the country amid confusion around precisely what qualifies as a “bona fide relationship” with the US.
Episcopal Migration Ministries has responded to the news with a strong resolve and advice on how to continue to support refugees. ENS shares their message:
Even while we wait to learn the specifics about what this means for the families that we – along with our local affiliate partners, communities, churches, and volunteers – were planning to welcome, we must redouble our efforts to be voices of welcome and support for our refugee brothers and sisters, at home and abroad.
Here are three things you can do today to help:
- Stand To Support Refugees: Make a donation to our Stand to Support Refugees campaign, and plan to host a Stand to Support Refugees Sunday at your church. Materials, including prayers and worship resources, are here.
- Love God, Love Neighbor: Plan to join us for a future Love God, Love Neighbor experience, where we train Episcopalians to be advocates, allies, and ambassadors for the work of refugee resettlement and welcome. Sign up today to be the first to receive announcements about training dates and locations.
- Support your nearest local affiliate: Reach out to your nearest Episcopal Migration Ministries affiliate, or the affiliate of another national resettlement agency, to learn how you can help. Need help locating an office? Contact Allison Duvall, EMM Manager for Church Relations & Engagement.
We thank you for being partners, friends, and advocates in this ministry of refugee resettlement. Thank you for standing with Episcopal Migration Ministries and with refugees.
Find the full EMM statement at the Episcopal News Service.
Photo: protesters rally in support of immigrants and refugees, Cleveland, Ohio, January 2017