Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action

Why are some people suggesting that we expedite deportation of children from Central America?

Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy

Recently, some political leaders have called for “expediting deportations” in order to send a message to Central Americans that children who come to the U.S. will not be allowed to stay. Initially, the White House cited the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA) as the reason children could not be immediately deported. Since then, many have called for that provision to be changed.

Children are especially vulnerable. The protections of TVPRA Section 235 provide children with access to trained service providers as well as time and space for potential victims to feel safe. If enacted, proposals to “streamline” and “expedite” deportation procedures could lead to an increase in victims of human trafficking being sent back into dangerous situations.

The faith community has been working with policy makers for decades to create laws and programs that will protect and assist victims of human trafficking at the federal, state and local levels. Lawmakers need to resist the politics of the moment calling for a “quick fix,” and make sure we put adequate process and infrastructure in place so we do not risk returning vulnerable children to life threatening situations.

(The full story on our website includes what members of the Texas Congressional delegation are proposing about expedited deportation, as well as examples of child immigrants who were discovered to be victims of human trafficking. Read it here.)

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

Travis Park UMC Announces

Love Your Neighbor Coalition 2015 Gathering

August 6-9, 2015

This huge event will be hosted at Travis Park UMC and the Sheraton Gunter Hotel in San Antonio. Still in the planning stages, be prepared for amazing worship and music, informative educational sessions on many social justice issues, and incredible opportunities for networking with progressive Christians from throughout the nation.

At this time, the Love Your Neighbor Coalition participants include: Affirmation, Black Methodist for Church Renewal, Love Prevails, Methodist Federation for Social Action, National Federation of Asian American United Methodists, Native American International Caucus of United Methodists, Reconciling Ministries Network, and United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities.

This will be a first-ever national gathering of the Love Your Neighbor Coalition that formed around the 2012 General Conference of The United Methodist Church. Previously, RMN and MFSA have joined together for a joint national convocation during the summer preceding General Conference, then worked with an expanded coalition the next year. For LYN Coalition to have a national gathering in 2015 will be history in the making!

Place the dates, August 6 to 9, 2015 on your calendar now!