Take Action
Tell the DC Council to Support the Immigrant Justice Platform Budget Priorities!
The DC Immigrant Justice Platform comprises multiple legislative and budget priorities that are essential to the well-being of DC’s many immigrant communities.
Join us in asking the DC Council to fund the platform in full!
Say NO to Exclusions Based on Immigration Status
Today, the DC Council Committee on Human Services is having a hearing on the permanent Migrant Services and Supports Act. This bill is meant to support migrants bused to DC from Texas and Arizona, but in reality it is a deeply harmful bill that will have broad impacts on the DC immigrant community. Title I of the bill creates an Office of Migrant Services (OMS), under the Department of Human Services (DHS), and defines its function that includes greeting buses, helping people move on to their final destination, and providing temporary shelter and services. However, what is glaringly missing from OMS’ mandate is any long-term support for migrants who choose to settle in DC, thereby feeding into the narrative that Mayor Bowser has used since day one that no one is actually staying in the District.
The Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network fundamentally opposes excluding people from accessing homeless services and from establishing residency in DC based on immigration status and national origin. Tell the Members of the Committee on Human Services and tell them not to exclude migrants from accessing homeless services in DC!
UPDATE: Ask DC Council to Support CM Pinto’s Amendment to the Migrant Services and Supports Emergency Act
Councilmember Pinto is introducing amendments to the Migrant Services and Supports Emergency Act that will REMOVE the portions of the bill that bar access to services based on immigration status! The amendments will also narrow Mayor Bowser’s control over eligibility for OMS services and prioritize non-congregate housing for families with children.
We are asking council members to vote YES on Councilmember Pinto’s amendments to the Migrant Services and Supports Emergency Act
Ask the DC Council Vote No on the Harmful Migrant Services and Supports Emergency Act Now!
Tell your Councilmembers to vote NO on the emergency legislation until changes are made to the bill. In its current form, the legislation bars all asylum seekers and other migrants from accessing DHS services AND denies all asylum seekers residency in the District. Take 5 minutes to call, email, and tweet at DC councilmembers and demand that they vote NO!