Dear friends,

2021 has been an active year for the Congregation Action Network. With the new Biden Administration’s promise of a pathway to citizenship, CAN’s efforts have been focused on doing everything we can to make that a reality. This past summer, the #WeAreEssential Fast for Freedom, organized by CAN and Faith in Action, was led by 65 impacted members and clergy who fasted for 3 weeks to pressure lawmakers to include a a pathway to citizenship for essential workers, farm workers, DREAMers, and TPS holders through the budget reconciliation package. During this time, our leaders conducted 21 advocacy visits, drove 650 calls to Congress, and held daily meetings with elected officials. The Fast for Freedom brought the attention and created the momentum the immigrants’ rights movement needed, and inspired others to take bolder actions. 

To continue the momentum, CAN led a 12-hour vigil on the U.S. Capitol grounds in July as part of the LA RED Week of Actions and led a faith-led civil disobedience action in October in front of the Vice President’s residence.

Our leaders also have had dozens of advocacy actions: meetings with Members of Congress and emails and calls to Members of Congress and elected officials to advocate for a pathway to citizenship. 

Just last month, CAN organized with Faith in Action a rally outside the Vice President’s residence, imploring her to use her authority as presiding officer of the Senate to include a pathway to citizenship in the FY22 budget reconciliation legislation. More than 100 impacted leaders, faith leaders, partners and allies attended the rally.

CAN also continued its local and regional efforts. In Maryland, CAN members sent 379 emails to state legislators in support of just immigration legislation.  Bills passed that would end civil immigration detention in Maryland, prohibit state agencies from sharing personal information and photos with ICE without a judicial warrant, and that would make all resident taxpayers, including the undocumented, elgibile for the state earned income tax credit.  

Our Washington, DC, cluster took the lead in coordinating Faith on the Phones phone banking in support of just immigration policies, and working with our brothers and sisters in support of Haitain and African refugees and asylum seekers. Our Northern Virginia cluster supported the #ICEoutofArlington campaign and  the #FreeThemAllVA campaign to end immigration detention in the commonwealth. They also participated in large numbers in meetings with Members of Congress advocating a pathway to citizenship.

COVID-19 Emergency Fund resources supported more of our local neighbors in need - $30,000 was disbursed this year.  

Our goals for 2022 include: 

 Continue our struggle at the federal level for a path to citizenship for all! 

Continue our support for our immigrant neighbors in need through direct support and advocacy.

In Maryland, help ensure the state legislature overrides Governor Hogan’s vetoes of two immigration justice bills from the 2021 session, and then advocate in the 2022 session for a state level program providing legal representation for immigrants facing deportation.

In Virginia, advocate to maintain and improve the advantages gained for immigrant communities through the General Assembly (driver’s privilege cards and in-state tuition for undocumented residents, etc.) in the face of a new, conservative electorate. 

Locally in Virginia counties, continue advocating to end immigration detention and collaboration with ICE.

Your donations will help make all of this possible in 2022!

We need your financial contributions to continue this important work. You can donate in the following ways:

Click on the “JOIN TEAM” button and launch your own fundraising page, enabling you to encourage your friends and family to join as donors as well.  

Donate directly by clicking on the “DONATE” button. By making a contribution to CAN, you are supporting a stronger, more effective movement for immigrant justice in the DC-MD-Northern Virginia region.

If you prefer, you can donate by check payable to "Faith In Action".  Write "Donation to CAN" on the memo line, and mail your donation check to Faith in Action, 1616 P Street NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036.

Thank you for helping in any way you can. We are stronger together!