November 20, 2024
Election Outcome: What it could mean for the refugees and other immigrants we serve in Chicagoland
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During a town hall meeting last week, some of our leaders and legal experts addressed pressing questions related to the election outcome. We’ve collected a few highlights here. Read on to learn how some policy shifts could affect the refugees and other immigrants many of you have befriended and how you can take action.
How are the people you serve at World Relief Chicagoland responding to the election results?
Catherine Norquist, Immigrant Legal Services Director, shared key updates and context:
- Hundreds of people we are serving have pending immigration applications for their family members who are in other countries and refugee camps. They have called this week worried that the incoming administration will stop this process, and they will be separated for many more years from their family. Even green card holders are worried about deportation.
- These concerns aren’t unfounded. Between 2017 and 2020, there was an unprecedented pace for executive actions on immigration. There were 472 executive orders affecting U.S. immigration policy, with 39 additional orders proposed but not implemented [Source]. This pace of change created confusion and instability for many immigrants.
- What can you do? Volunteer today to walk with someone pursuing a sense of home and security through citizenship.
What specific immigration policies do you expect to see from the incoming administration?
Sarah Flagel, Managing Attorney of the Asylum Legal Clinic, highlighted many potential changes the incoming administration could make that would impact all types of immigrants. Here are some highlights related to asylum seekers specifically.
- Ending the CBP One app, which currently allows asylum seekers to schedule appointments at the U.S. border.
- Introducing summary exclusions, which could deny entry to most asylum seekers outright.
- Expediting asylum dockets, which can prevent applicants from preparing adequately for hearings.
- On a practical level, Sarah explained how fluctuating rules force attorneys to frequently revise their guidance, making it difficult for asylum seekers to navigate an already complex system. These types of frequent policy shifts risk compromising the fairness and due process guaranteed to those fleeing persecution.
- What can you do? Many asylum seekers we’ve served are from Afghanistan. You can ensure Afghans who fled violence after the fall of Kabul have a secure pathway to pursue long-term belonging in the U.S. by supporting the Afghan Adjustment Act.
How will the anticipated reduction in refugee arrivals affect World Relief Chicagoland’s ability to support refugees and the broader immigrant community?
Executive Director Susan Sperry gave a big-picture perspective on what we’ve done together and what we anticipate so far looking forward.
- This past year: Together we served over 10,700 refugees and other immigrants like Noor Ali and Ihosef in 2024. Out of those people, 1,200 are refugees who arrived this year through the resettlement program. That means 90 percent of people served this year are refugees and other immigrants already in our communities. The work of welcome extends well beyond the initial year after resettlement, and continued community support is vital.
- In the next 10 weeks or so: We anticipate at least 200 refugees will arrive through our offices. Ongoing support is needed for them.
- Concerning refugee resettlement under the next administration: There have been promises and indications for a plan to suspend or pause refugee resettlement, as was done in 2017. This pause lasted 120 days and was followed by lower numbers of refugee arrivals each consecutive year. From 2013 through 2016, World Relief Chicagoland resettled 900 to 1000 people on average annually. That number went steadily down to 85 people by 2020.
- We will advocate for resettlement to remain open and encourage you to do so as well. Even if refugee resettlement is paused or suspended, the need to show ongoing welcome to people already in our communities will not reduce.
- What can you do? Become a monthly donor to help ensure refugees and other immigrants continue their journey rebuilding their lives with the support and connection they deserve.