This morning, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced a new administrative policy that will halt the deportation of young people who entered the United States as children and who meet certain other requirements. Under the announced policy, the students will also be allowed to apply affirmatively for employment authorization. All the major news organization are carrying this announcement in their headlines.
I commend the Administration’s leadership. Today’s announcement is an encouraging step for immigrant families and a milestone for our country. Let’s build upon this new momentum towards comprehensive reform. We need Congress to find a permanent, legislative solution to this problem. Creating a better life for immigrants fulfills a biblical, moral, and humane vision. Together, we can realize this vision.
The announcement is consistent with the principles announced this week by the Evangelical Immigration Table, a broad coalition of evangelical organizations and leaders committed to immigration reform whose statement was endorsed by leaders including Richard Land, Max Lucado, Bill Hybels, Carlos Camp, Alec Hill, o and Jim Daly, President of Focus on the Family. The principles and full list of endorsers is available at www.evangelicalimmigrationtable.com.
World Relief has long advocated administrative relief for these young people, many of whom are members of our local churches, and this announcement is an answer to many prayers. These young people are hard-working, bright individuals who are already contributing to our communities. These young people themselves have done more than anyone to advocate for change, and we celebrate today’s announcement with them. Let’s join our faith to theirs and hope for a better future together.
