It’s About Time Everyone Cares about Politics
Sarah Morrison,
August 15, 2019
Butting heads. Name-calling. Gridlock. Threats of shutdowns. An infuriating lack of progress. We can all agree that government today is polarized, at least on the federal level.
Vulnerable people are everywhere
Rebekah Kim Jong,
August 14, 2019
People often ask me, “Where are you from?” While this is simply a polite question, I laugh, because the answer is more complicated than you might think. I try to figure out how to answer without telling a stranger my life story. I was born in Korea as a citizen there, raised in the Philippines, flew to the U.S. three years ago, and now reside in Virginia for college – simple, right? It’s true that my background often places me in rather confusing situations, but I am immensely thankful to have had the opportunity to grow in a multicultural environment.
Trump’s asylum rule violates both domestic and international law
Rebekah Kim Jong,
August 12, 2019
Thousands of asylum seekers flee to the United States. Often victims of serious violent crimes, they come in pursuit of safety and a better life. But if the Trump Administration has its way, they may reach a dead end. Administration officials recently announced an interim final rule; If asylum seekers fail to apply for protection while in a safe third country first, the new rule will deny asylum to those who enter, or attempt to enter, the U.S through the southern border. The Trump Administration believes this will deter those who are “misusing the asylum system.” However, this rule will also place thousands of people in peril.
ICE Arrests 680 Immigrant Workers in Mississippi
Deborah Weinstein,
August 9, 2019
With no advance warning to schools or social service agencies, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents launched raids on 7 food processing plants in Mississippi on August 7, arresting 680 workers. Advocates, service providers, and lawyers in Mississippi and others from outside the state are joining in the effort to help the families affected. This is a traumatic experience for entire communities, with long-term consequences for children.
Enough is Enough
Deborah Weinstein,
August 7, 2019
People of conscience have a choice. We can go numb, or we can demand action. Numbness was overtaking us as the news of El Paso, then Dayton, then Chicago flooded the media. The needless deaths, lives cut short in split-seconds. The heroic mother and father. Hate assaulting the innocent. But how can we let this wash over us and not try – once more – to do something that could save lives? We must be undeterred. Mr. President, inciting white supremacist, anti-immigrant impulses has led to people’s deaths. In their memories, let us take this single-minded step together to enact background check legislation. Please call your Senators. And let that be the first of many steps away from hate and violence.
