As Americans of conscience, we value showing respect for all people, no matter where they were born.
We oppose inhumane treatment of all people and the government agencies that inflict it. People who immigrate to the US make our country stronger and deserve basic decency and respect.
Action: Stand with the kids ICE is losing.
Script: Dear [name], During a Senate oversight hearing, Steven Wagner stated that the whereabouts of 1,475 immigrant children are unknown. Our nation has a moral responsibility to protect children and treat them with basic decency, regardless of immigration status. This means we must (choose any of the following):
- Vet caretakers thoroughly to prevent exposing kids to work- and sex traffickers.
- Hold detention facilities accountable for child abuse.
- Keep better track of kids post-release to ensure their well-being (source and source).
- Additionally, we must stop the inhumane practice of separating children from parents as an immigration deterrent.
As a taxpayer funding this egregious neglect of duty, I urge you to take full and immediate responsibility for the well-being and safety of vulnerable children and infants. Sincerely, [name, state]
Contact the following officials using the script above.
Chief of Staff John F. Kelly
Address: The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, D.C. 20500
Phone: 202-456-1414 (or TTY)
Attorney General Jeff Sessions
Address: US Department of Justice, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20530-0001
Phone: 202-353-1555 (or TTY)
DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen
Address: Secretary of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C. 20528
Email: DHSSecretary@hq.dhs.gov
Phone: 202-282-8495 (or TTY)
Acting ICE Director Thomas Homan
Address: Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 500 12th St. SW, Washington, D.C. 20536
HHS Secretary Alex Azar
Address: Office of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201
Email: Secretary@HHS.gov
Phone: 202-690-7000
Acting Assistant ACF Secretary Steven Wagner
Address: Administration for Children and Families, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201
Phone: 1-877-696-6775
ORR Director Scott Lloyd
Address: Office of Refugee Resettlement, Mary E. Switzer Building, 330 C ST SW, Washington DC 20201
Phone: 202.401.9246
Your two senators and one House representative
Even if you think they A. already agree or B. don’t care. They work for you.
Address: Look up here.
Other actions to help young people immigrating to the US:
- Donate: Post bond for three endangered young women before their May 30 asylum hearing.
- Sign: ACLU petition opposing the separation of families (opt out of their emails).
- Share on social media (sample messages below):
Stand with the 1,475 vulnerable children our government can’t find. https://goo.gl/yVeJKg #WhereAreTheChildren
Our government can’t locate almost 1,500 children and infants separated from their parents. Urge goverment officials to take full and immediate responsibility for their safety: https://goo.gl/yVeJKg #WhereAreTheChildren
“It’s easier to be cynical; to accept that change isn’t possible, and politics is hopeless, and to believe that our voices and actions don’t matter. But if we give up now, then we forsake a better future.” ~ Barack Obama
Note: The Americans of Conscience checklist is always ad-free and no-cost. If you’re able, support its creator, Jen Hofmann, on patreon or paypal.
Housekeeping
- Sign up: Subscribe to the weekly Americans of Conscience Checklist here.
- Stay inspired: Complete the Self-Care Worksheet.
- Stay focused: Complete the Action Worksheet (or Kelly Wooten’s artistic version).
- Connect: If you have a question, correction, or action suggestion. With thanks!
- Nerd out: See archives of past AoC Checklists here.
- Gratitude: Big thanks to JEB, Week 3 social media volunteers, the Research Sous Chefs teams, and to the amazing angel patrons who make it possible.