The Trump administration expanded public charge rule is a punitive measure that will stoke fear and increase suffering in immigrant communities. This new policy would impose an unprecedented income test on persons seeking legal entry to the United States and deny entrance if they are judged likely to be or ever in the future become a “public charge” entitled to assistance with nutrition, housing or healthcare. In addition, current lawful permanent residents may have their applications for citizenship denied solely based on using or ever having used certain public programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This policy will cause a cascade of negative impacts, including increasing hunger, blocking family unification and severely restricting immigration of people who want to come and contribute to our nation.

“This cruel policy change flies in the face of our commitments as a church to people seeking a new home here. Our social message on immigration commits us to ‘work for policies that cause neither undue repercussions within immigrant communities nor bias against them,’” says the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, ELCA director of advocacy. “The public charge rule is an unneeded departure from current practice that prioritizes family unification and humanitarian needs and that values the vitality and contributions of all immigrants regardless of economic status.”

We support benefits for lawful permanent residents as a public good, as stated in the ELCA social message on “Immigration”:

Hundreds of thousands of comments were submitted through a interfaith coalition that included our Lutheran voices when the public charge rule was proposed. The ELCA submission stated that the proposed regulation would harm families by forcing vulnerable people to choose between maintaining or obtaining legal immigration status and meeting their family’s basic needs, including those of children who are citizens. It further noted that the rule would penalize immigrants for seeking the very programs designed to help them attain self-sufficiency. This message that the only ‘worthy’ immigrants in the U.S. are wealthy is not only contrary to the country’s history but also a notion that stands against our faithful teachings as Lutherans.

The rule will go into effect October 15, 2019, unless constrained by Congress or the courts. Please follow along with ELCA Advocacy as we continue to oppose this punitive and unnecessary rule change.

from the ELCA Advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, director

AUGUST RECESS ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES  |  LIMITS PROPOSED TO SNAP HUNGER PROGRAM  |  KEEPING GIRLS IN SCHOOL ACT  |  FAITH-BASED PRESENCE AROUND U.N. CLIMATE CONFERENCE  |  FEDERAL BUDGET DEAL REACHED  |  STANDING AGAINST #CHRISTIANNATIONALISM  | HUNGER ADVOCACY FELLOWS  | VISITING D.C.

AUGUST RECESS ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES:  During August Recess, senators and representatives return to their state and/or congressional district and reconnect with constituents. This is a great opportunity for local advocates to engage with elected officials, ask questions and share concerns. Advocates interested in meeting with their members of Congress can find suggested activities, how to set up a meeting with lawmakers, and a timely set of policy questions (link) at the fore of current public discussion in new August Recess resources. Prompting questions and background on gun violence are among those that can be used by Lutheran advocates who encounter their legislators in-district.

LIMITS PROPOSED TO SNAP HUNGER PROGRAM:  The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced in mid-July plans to narrow food assistance eligibility for low-income families. The drafted rule would tighten Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit access to people applying through “broad-based categorical eligibility,” a method by which households earning slightly above the poverty line can apply if they have exorbitant costs (such as housing or child care) that place them below the poverty line.

Historically, the policy has had popular bipartisan support since it incentivizes families to seek higher-paying jobs or small income increases without immediately losing federal support. Early estimates gauge that over 3 million low-income seniors, working families and those of us with disabilities could be affected. The rule is open for public comment until Sep. 23, and ELCA Advocacy will share an action alert on the issue in the coming weeks.

KEEPING GIRLS IN SCHOOL ACT:  A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a new bill seeking to ensure that U.S. foreign assistance programs are designed to address the barriers preventing millions of girls around the world from attaining education. The Keeping Girls in School Act of 2019 would help continue investments in quality and equitable education for girls by leveraging existing funds to support partnerships and encouraging innovative financing approaches.

According to a report by the World Bank (link), less than two-thirds of girls complete primary education in low-income countries, and only 1 in 3 completes lower secondary school. Education is one of the best tools for improving social and economic outcomes for individuals and communities, and equal access to education is critical to development of nations. ELCA Advocacy shared an action alert in support of the bill in July, urging lawmakers to co-sponsor the bill and pass it before the end of the Congress. Advocates can take action at the ELCA Action Center.

FAITH-BASED PRESENCE AROUND U.N. CLIMATE CONFERENCE:  Interfaith events are being planned around the U.N. Climate Change Summit 2019. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has called on leaders to come to New York Sept. 23 with concrete, realistic plans to enhance their commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Episcopal Church, GreenFaith and others are planning an interfaith service Sept. 20; participating in a youth mobilization, also Sept. 20, declaring a climate emergency; and hosting a faith-based consultation Sept. 24, with the theme: “Climate Emergency: Faith-based Organizations Raising Ambition – Leaving No One Behind.”

FEDERAL BUDGET DEAL REACHED:  Lawmakers in Congress and the administration reached a deal to raise federal budget caps and the debt ceiling, which was signed by President Trump Aug. 2. The bipartisan agreement raises limits on discretionary spending by $321 billion over two years and addresses the issue of the debt ceiling until July 31, 2021.

While the increase in federal funding could help maintain existing low-income and humanitarian programs, a significant percent of the nondefense funding will be allocated to support the 2020 Census, meaning ultimate gains will likely be minimal when the budget process is finalized.

With an ELCA voice through the signature of Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, an interfaith letter signed by more than 30 heads-of-communion was sent to lawmakers July 25, shortly before the agreement was made. The message highlighted the need to raise spending caps to maintain low-income and community programs that help the most vulnerable among us.

STANDING AGAINST #CHRISTIANNATIONALISM:  The ecumenical letter opposing Christian nationalism was released last week with the launch of the “Christians Against Christian Nationalism” campaign. More than 9,000 Christians have already signed, and momentum from a social media introduction by ELCA Advocacy is strong.

HUNGER ADVOCACY FELLOWS:  Six Hunger Advocacy Fellows are concluding their yearlong positions this summer of transformative experience that combines leadership development and faith formation with impactful advocacy that moves toward an end to hunger and a just world where all are fed. We are grateful for the gifts of these innovative, passionate and dedicated young leaders: Erica Earnest, Lutheran Episcopal Advocacy Ministries of New Jersey; Abbigail Hull, ELCA Advocacy national office; Kelsey Johnson, Lutheran Office for Public Policy – Wisconsin; Jordan Slappey, Southeastern Synod Advocacy; Paisha Thomas, Hunger Network in Ohio; and Sarah Vatne, Faith Action Network

In the D.C. office, Hull has made a great many contributions, including presentations, guidance of groups coming to the nation’s capital, lawmaker visit coordination and many more – all with a faith-driven spark and gleaning from her interests and experiences. It has been a pleasure to work with her.

VISITING D.C.:  Over 100 students, pastors and young adult groups visited the ELCA Advocacy office in Washington, D.C. this spring and summer to participated in direct advocacy. Visitors joined us in a range of activities: combining service with conversations about federal policy, discussion of the role of faith in public life, and meetings with members of Congress. Groups interested with connecting with ELCA Advocacy staff in the nation’s Capitol can schedule a meeting through washingtonoffice@elca.org.

Receive monthly Advocacy Connections directly by becoming part of the ELCA Advocacy network – http://elca.org/advocacy/signup , and learn more from elca.org/advocacy .

– by Abbigail Hull, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow

             Addressing the growing number of deaths and injuries caused by firearms while at the same time protecting the rights of those who use firearms responsibly called a member of Lord of the Mountain Lutheran Church in Dillion, Colo. to action after the inaugural National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath Weekend in March 2014. “As people of faith, we are directed to do so,” said Diane Luellen. “These things are important. If we don’t do it, who will?”  

              Luellen found she wasn’t the only one moved. A small group of congregants and community members wrote a Letter to the Editor in The Summit Daily Newspaper to raise awareness of Sabbath Weekend. The congregation decided to create a gun violence task force, and later the task force connected with area coalitions to build capacity. One voice became more voices in the congregation and community.   

               “You have to be patient, but sometimes I didn’t want to be patient,” Luellen admitted. Not everyone in the congregation was energized, but the task force took the time to build understanding through listening and talking with people who were supportive and non-supportive of their focus. Church communication tools spread awareness and shared clear information, such as gun violence statistics in the bulletin.  

              The relational work and trust building slowly moved the needle. “Persistence” was the word Luellen used to describe what she learned in the process. Now, the congregation takes part in an annual National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence in its county. It has hosted workshops and adult forums around gun violence awareness – which seeded formation of the Summit Colorado Interfaith Council. Two years after establishment of the task force, the congregation empowered it through a resolution to make statements representing the congregation on pertinent matters. Task force members joined a legislative rapid response network that saw passage of a Colorado bill this spring. 

              Luellen and her congregation’s story mirrors the prodding of Paul in Acts 18, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you.” If you are feeling the nudge to act, or speak out, tell others because you probably aren’t alone. I believe it may be the Holy Spirit wrestling with you to tell others and listen more.