World Relief Urges Bipartisan Immigration Compromise, End to Shutdown
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
January 19, 2019
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Lauren Carl
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World Relief Urges Bipartisan Immigration Compromise, End to Shutdown
Baltimore, Md. – Today, President Trump addressed the nation to propose a compromise to end the month-plus long shutdown. The president proposed a number of possible changes, including $5.7 billion in border security funding to include new physical barriers, legislation that would provide a temporary extension of legal protections for some Dreamers, an extension of Temporary Protected Status for individuals from whom the administration had previously planned to remove these protections and various other proposals.
World Relief President Scott Arbeiter commented, “Our leaders have the unique opportunity to cut through partisan differences and come to a solution that affirms the dignity of and extends compassion to those seeking refuge while improving security for our borders. While we believe we ultimately need solutions that go beyond what was proposed today, we are glad the president has opened the door to compromise.
“We encourage President Trump not to stop at merely extending protections, but also to offer a pathway to permanent legal status and eventual citizenship for those stuck in limbo in Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals,” urged World Relief SVP of U.S. Ministries Emily Gray.“It is contradictory to our heritage as a nation of immigrants and legacy of Christian hospitality to keep these long-time residents from the chance to become citizens of the country they consider their home.”
The legislative details of any such deal are very important. Given World Relief’s particular concern for the plight of individuals fleeing persecution, we are particularly concerned about any changes that would limit the ability of those with a well-founded fear of persecution to find refuge in the U.S.
“Ultimately, our country desperately needs broader immigration reform, including both secure borders and the opportunity for immigrants in the country unlawfully to earn permanent legal status,” added Arbeiter. “We urge Congressional leaders to return to the table and work together on a bipartisan basis to find a broader solution including both improved border security and an earned legalization process for the undocumented, which we then urge the president to sign.”
World Relief invites others to join World Relief leadership in urging Congress and the president to act on a bipartisan basis by adding their names to this letter.
Download the PDF version of this press release.
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About World Relief:
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that seeks to overcome violence, poverty and injustice. Through love in action, we bring hope, healing and restoration to millions of the world’s most vulnerable women, men and children through vital and sustainable programs in disaster response, health and child development, economic development and peacebuilding, as well as refugee and immigration services in the U.S. For 75 years, we’ve partnered with churches and communities, currently across more than 20 countries, to provide relief from suffering and help people rebuild their lives.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.