Better Together
Community Resilience in Times of Change
Welcome to the JFCS East Bay
Community Resource Hub
This is a space dedicated to fostering connection, providing vital resources, and offering support during these challenging times. Whether you’ve been directly impacted by recent immigration policies or are standing in solidarity, we’re here to guide you, inform you, and bring our community together.
These executive actions are part of a broader effort to reshape immigration policy. Together, we can stand up for the rights and dignity of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Stay informed, speak out, and support those affected by these sweeping changes.
Join us in the fight to protect those seeking safety and opportunity.
Understanding Recent Executive Orders and Their Impact on Refugees, Immigrants, and Asylum Seekers
In a sweeping move, nearly 200 executive orders, memoranda, and proclamations were signed, some directly targeting refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants. These actions were calculated and strategic, designed to overwhelm.
But we’re here to stay informed and prepared. Below is an overview of key executive orders and their implications:
Suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admission Program
What it does: All refugee admissions are suspended starting January 27, with limited case-by-case exceptions. The program will be reviewed every 90 days, with no clear deadline for resumption.
Impact: Refugees awaiting resettlement will face indefinite delays. Many, including those fleeing danger, may have no pathway to safety. Exceptions will be rare and difficult to secure.
Mass Deportation Measures
What it does: Increases resources for deportation, mandates coordination between federal and local authorities, and requires undocumented individuals to register with DHS. It also penalizes organizations and cities that support undocumented communities.
Impact: Fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities will rise, along with family separations, racial profiling, and community policing. Deportation efforts will divert resources from addressing actual security threats.
CBP One App Suspension
What it does: Cancels all appointments for processing at U.S.-Mexico border ports of entry and halts the app’s operation.
Impact: Without CBP One, asylum seekers in Mexico lose the only system to request lawful entry into the U.S., prolonging their time in unsafe conditions without access to basic services.
National Emergency Declaration at the U.S.-Mexico Border
What it does: Declares a security threat at the border, allowing militarization, resuming construction of the border wall, and implementing extreme measures to stop migration.
Impact: Militarization will escalate danger for asylum seekers and set a troubling precedent. These measures are costly, ineffective, and lack oversight.
Curtailment of Asylum Rights at the Border
What it does: Restarts the “Remain in Mexico” policy (Migration Protection Protocols) and designates migration as a national security threat.
Impact: Asylum seekers face increased harm, limited access to due process, and forced returns to unsafe conditions in Mexico or their home countries.
Denial of Birthright Citizenship
What it does: Prevents U.S. citizenship for children born to parents without lawful status.
Impact: Violates the 14th Amendment, creating a generation of stateless individuals. Legal challenges are already underway to protect this fundamental right.
Stay informed about the latest developments affecting immigration, asylum, and family reunification efforts:
- How Millions of US Children Would Be Hurt by Trump’s Mass Deportation Plan
Learn about the devastating impact on children, families, and communities. - Update from Sacramento: California’s Special Legislative Session
Discover how state leaders are responding to federal immigration policies and advocating for our community. - Trump’s Orders: Sweeping Limits on Immigration and Asylum
Understand the broader implications of these policies on families and individuals seeking refuge.
For those directly impacted by immigration policies, we offer:
- Emotional Support Services
Access counseling and mental health resources to help navigate the uncertainty. - Legal Assistance Referrals (coming soon)
Connect with trusted partners who specialize in immigration and asylum cases. - Family Reunification Resources (coming soon)
Guidance for families awaiting loved ones affected by travel bans or deportation policies.
If you want to support your neighbors and stand for justice, here’s how you can help:
- Advocate for Change
Join local efforts to push for fair immigration policies. - Volunteer with JFCS East Bay
Offer your time to support families and individuals in need. - Donate
Your contribution helps us provide critical services to those most impacted.
