April 20… Alert on Immigration What’s Happening? Congress is back, and the House and Senate will meet to combine their budget proposals into a Joint Resolution. Now is the time to tell them that the budget cuts proposed by both chambers would be devastating to the lives of those experiencing poverty. (Network)

Action One: Prayer As we breathe the very air which sustains us, we remember your love, God, which gives us life. Fill us with your compassion for Creation. Empty us of apathy, selfishness and fear, of all pessimism and hesitation. Breathe into us solidarity with all who suffer now and the future generations who will suffer because of our environmental irresponsibility. Move us into action to save our earth and to build your sustainable Kingdom. Amen. (Education for Justice)

Action Two: Calls/Letters Call 1-866-940-2439 to be connected with your Member of Congress's office. Urge them to support this positive legislation, to express your appreciation for the robust U.S. support for UNHCR's appeal thus far, and to push for additional funds to help alleviate the suffering due to this conflict. Sample Script: “I’m a constituent from [City/State] and I urge Rep. [NAME] to co-sponsor and support The Protecting Religious Minorities Persecuted by ISIS Act. The U.S. must stand up against religious, ethnic and gender-based persecution, uphold our country’s tradition of welcoming vulnerable populations, and increase the number of Syrian refugees we help provide opportunities for new lives through the U.S. refugee resettlement program. I'm grateful that the U.S. has supported the U.N. Refugee Agency's global appeal, and urge you to support continued funding to help alleviate suffering due to the conflict."

Send email to Sec. Jeh Johnson reminding him to keep his promise & stop detaining & deporting potential beneficiaries of DACA/DAPA: http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/51048/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=15759

Sign petition (& call him at 217-782-0244) to tell Gov. Rauner to restore immigrant services immediately! http://home-icirraction.nationbuilder.com/restore_services

Sign petition to release father who is eligible for DAPA: http://www.notonemoredeportation.com/portfolio/manuelroman/

Sign petition for IL Police Director to sign eligible father’s U-Visa: http://www.notonemoredeportation.com/portfolio/eligible-for-daca-u-visa-but-detained-by-ice/ Sign this petition to support HB 3528 Equal Opportunity for Financial Aid for Undocumented Students: http://org2.salsalabs.com/o/6220/c/1364/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=19793

Sign petition to tell ICE: Release mothers on hunger strike at Texas Detention Center: http://act.presente.org/sign/karnes?t=3&referring_akid=1281.472693.m6HQJY

Tell your Senators Human Trafficking Bills are not vehicles for Anti-Immigrant Amendments: http://salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/51184/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=13288

Call 1-866-940-2439 to be connected with the offices of House Judiciary Committee Members and urge them to oppose H.R. 1149 and any similar legislation that would rollback TVPRA: Sample Script: As a person of faith, I urge Representative (NAME) to OPPOSE any rollbacks to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Children fleeing violence should not be returned to unsafe situations, but must be protected and cared for humanely. I urge the Representative to oppose any proposal that reduces protections for migrant children, creates barriers for asylum seekers, and expands the use of immigration detention for children, including H.R. 1149 The Protection of Children Act. I urge the Representative to instead support legislation that protects vulnerable migrants and refugees seeking protection in the U.S. The U.S. must find ways to reduce the violence these children face in their home countries and ensure that children who arrive to the U.S. have access to the legal counsel and services they need.

Oppose legislation that harms migrant kids and families: https://secure2.convio.net/lirs/site/Advocacy ;jsessionid=CBCC33FF8B50C3F570C4939E875808C5.app263a?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=161#.VPc2jy5uOSl

Call Gov. Rauner’s office (312-814-2121) and your Representative/State Senator: Sample Script: My name is___ and as a member of SBI [or Religious Community] I am calling to oppose the current majority budget proposal and advocate for a Faithful Budget, one that benefits the most vulnerable, supports a strong safety net, and puts the needs of those in poverty first instead of last.

Urge Senate to Protect Immigrant Families! http://capwiz.com/jesuit/issues/alert/?alertid=64051616

Action Three: Education Suspenden programas de ayuda a inmigrantes en IL: http://chicago.univision.com/videos/video/2015-04-08/recortesprogramas-inmigrantes-illinois

How Congress ensures private prison profit: http://grassrootsleadership.org/reports/payoff-how-congress-ensures-privateprison-profit-immigrant-detention-quota#1

US religious leaders react to Dilley detention center: http://www.kgns.tv/home/headlines/US-religious-leaders-react-toDilley-detention-center-298081231.html

Stop shameful detention of migrant families: http://www.ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/US.php?id=11906 Faith Leaders call for end to harsh policy of detaining immigrant families: http://ncronline.org/blogs/immigration-andchurch/faith-leaders-call-end-harsh-policy-detaining-immigrant-families

Why 2 companies dominate the private prison industry: http://www.marketplace.org/topics/economy/why-two-companiesdominate-private-prison-industry#

Action Four: Events/Resources Justice for Immigrants Family Detention Webinar: Wednesday, April 29, 1pm CST SBI Annual Event – Let My People Go – Detention: A Matter of Conscience May 9th, 8:30am – 1pm at St. James School (820 N Arlington Hts Rd. Arlington Hts, IL) Registration Form can be found at sistersandbrothersofimmigrants.org Resources on detention bed quota: http://www.immigrantjustice.org/eliminate-detention-bed-quota#.VSwtz5NuObg Admin. Relief Resources: https://cliniclegal.org/adminrelief & http://www.interfaithimmigration.org/issues/administrative-action-resources/

Action Five: Social Media Twitter: Access your member of Congress’ twitter handle at http://stuffthought.com/blog/113th-congress-twitter-handles/ Thank you for your efforts!