1. New from me: Three faith groups are suing the Trump administration over a recent executive order regarding refugee resettlement.
They argue it is illegal and “inhibits our ability to freely practice our religion” — i.e., to help resettle refugees. religionnews.com/2019/11/22/fai…
They argue it is illegal and “inhibits our ability to freely practice our religion” — i.e., to help resettle refugees. religionnews.com/2019/11/22/fai…
2. The subtext: the EO Trump signed in September requires state and local authorities to sign off in writing to allow refugees to be resettled in their region.
The faith groups argue this violates existing federal law, which doesn't grant local and state authorities veto power.
The faith groups argue this violates existing federal law, which doesn't grant local and state authorities veto power.
3. As the complaint puts it: "The Executive Order and its implementation burden and threaten Plaintiffs’
ability to fulfill their missions in accordance with their religious values."
Other subtext: these are faith groups that already help the government resettle refugees, but...
ability to fulfill their missions in accordance with their religious values."
Other subtext: these are faith groups that already help the government resettle refugees, but...
4. …Their partnership w/the govt has been DECIMATED under Trump.
That's no small thing: of the 9 groups that partner w/the federal govt to resettle refugees, *6* are faith-based.
But since Trump took office, they've had to fire staff and close offices. religionnews.com/2019/02/04/two…
That's no small thing: of the 9 groups that partner w/the federal govt to resettle refugees, *6* are faith-based.
But since Trump took office, they've had to fire staff and close offices. religionnews.com/2019/02/04/two…
5. It's important to note: These groups have longstanding religious precedent (including ancient scripture) to point to when arguing that helping refugees isn't just a general nice thing they do.
They consider aiding these folks, quite literally, a *religious mandate.*
They consider aiding these folks, quite literally, a *religious mandate.*
6. That's partially why these groups show up in lawsuits on this topic a lot.
Like, "HIAS-sued-Trump-over-the-travel-ban" a lot.
But you likely didn't hear about that, and it's rare to hear such things framed as religious claims — but they are. hias.org/blog/hias-v-tr…
Like, "HIAS-sued-Trump-over-the-travel-ban" a lot.
But you likely didn't hear about that, and it's rare to hear such things framed as religious claims — but they are. hias.org/blog/hias-v-tr…
7. Anyway, keep an eye on this stuff, and read more here: religionnews.com/2019/11/22/fai…
