Human Migration
Affirmation of the right to migrate, and support for migrating people, is one of the oldest faith-rooted policy positions. Abrahamic scriptures include stories of individual and community migration. The scriptural message is clear that we are not merely to welcome the sojourner, but to see ourselves in their face. Migration policy in the U.S. is primarily a national policy issue, but Texas plays a unique role because of our international border.
NEWS + LATEST UPDATES
SB4 Reality: “Stuck Against Competing Interests Between the State and Government”
The U.S. Department of Justice and the ACLU Texas have filed lawsuits against SB4. The ACLU TX and Texas Civil Rights Project also filed a motion for preliminary injunction to...
FAITH COMMUNITIES: HEED YOUR CALL TO EQUIP FOR SB4
After a year of managing our Courts & Ports Faithful Witness immersive program in the Rio Grande Valley, a common question that never failed to be asked was, “what can we do...
BORDER VIGIL HELD UNDER SURVEILLANCE OF OPERATION LONE STAR
Have you ever had to ask Texas Army National Guard Soldiers permission to enter a public park so that you can have the liberty to hold a vigil, pray, and sing worship songs in a...
IMMEDIATE WINTER NEEDS FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS IN THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY
Today and for the next couple of days in the Rio Grande Valley area, The National Weather Service issued a Wind Chill Advisory: “dangerously cold wind chills would result in...
IMMIGRATION UPDATES TO START 2024
2024 is here and the immigration world on every level continues to be non-stop. Here are some key updates to get you caught up and to remind you to stay–unidos sin miedo– in...
Migration Put in Perspective
One of the interesting aspects of COP is its ability to put certain issues into perspective. Often US and Texas officials characterize migration as a foreign phenomenon, where...
Climate and Migration at COP28 UAE
It is day three of Texas Impact’s witness of COP28 in Dubai, UAE. As this is my second COP I am coming into the event with a bit more preparation and perspective, yet, once again...
STATE IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT BILLS ARE DANGEROUS TO ANYONE ANYWHERE IN TEXAS
Governor Abbott called a fourth special legislative session earlier this week, right after the third special session ended without having passed the most nefarious of their...
HB 4: Dangerous for Texas
Here's a real horror story: HB 4 would allow law enforcement anywhere in Texas to round up American citizens, take them to a port of entry, and order them to leave the country....
Three Seminary Students, a Priest, and a Writer at Courts and Ports Border Witness Program
This past week, three Seminary students, a priest, and a writer joined me in the Rio Grande Valley for our Courts and Ports Border Witness program. In less than 24 hours from...
BORDER BILLS ENDANGER TEXANS OF FAITH
This week the Texas Legislature began its third Special session. As expected, border bills were on the agenda. On Tuesday, with short notice, the Senate Border Security Committee...
WELLSPRING UNITED METHODIST COMMUNITY OF FAITH TAKES ACTION
This past Sunday, Wellspring UMC kicked-off October with a letter writing project as part of their “World Communion Sunday" celebration with the theme, “The World at Our...
Devastating Ruling for DACA Requires Unified Call for Congress to Act
DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS (DACA) DECISION On September 13, 2023, Texas Southern District Court Judge Andrew Hanen ruled the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals...
Lawsuits Play Out in Court While Those Seeking Safety Endure Consequences at the Border
BUOY LAWSUIT UPDATES Texas continues to waste taxpayer dollars on lawsuits to keep buoy barriers on the Rio Grande that have already caused grave injury and death to various...
Call to Action: Support for New Matamoros Asylum Shelter, Same Necessities
New Asylum Shelter Location in Matamoros For many months, various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from both Texas and Mexico have diligently coordinated together, and this...