From election to action

16-11-2024 |
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As we prepare for a new presidential administration, here’s an overview of what’s at risk for communities across the U.S. and the world—and how we can resist.

How will the incoming Trump administration affect immigrant rights, climate change, labor protections, and other issues of social justice? What can we do to keep pushing forward in organizing, advocating, and taking action for peace, justice, and equality for all people?

On Nov. 12, AFSC’s Global Policy and Strategy team and program leaders discussed these topics and more in the webinar “From Election to Action: How we can work together for lasting change.”

Here's a quick recap and how you can take action today.

Just Migration

What is at risk:

Immigration raids on schools, hospitals, religious institutions, and other sensitive locations that have been off limits for immigration enforcement.
Weakening standards for detaining migrants, allowing for mass detention in tent camps and other temporary structures.
Expanding deportations to fullest extent without typically required legal processes
Barring certain groups and nationalities from work and student visas to enter the U.S., like previous Muslim and Africa bans.
Making it harder for people to get asylum by eliminating gang violence or domestic violence as grounds for seeking protection.

How we can resist now in preparation:

Redesignate and extend Temporary Protective Status (TPS) to all qualifying countries afflicted by natural disasters, war, or other dangerous conditions.
End the current asylum ban that would allow Trump to close the border and deny access to asylum seekers.
Congress should act now to pass a Registry Update that would allow millions of long-term residents apply for permanent residence (or green card) in the U.S.

Take action today:

For more on how to show solidarity with immigrant communities, read this essay from AFSC organizer Itzel Hernandez, who also spoke during the webinar.

Global Peace

What is at risk:

Restriction of civil liberties and weakening due process protections, starting with Palestinian rights organizations and activists, but extending to racial justice, immigrant justice, and other social justice organizations.
Further militarizing our communities, expanding mass incarceration, surveillance of constitutionally protected behavior, and increasing funding for militarized policing.
Increased reliance on violence as a tool of international policy and abandonment of international law and human rights. That could include increased military competition with China, support for apartheid and genocide in Palestine, and increased chance of war with Iran.

How we can resist:

Push to cut military aid to Israel and support measures to block the sale of weapons.
Demand protections for speech and protest.
Support efforts to invest in community services and other alternatives to promote community safety beyond policy.

Take action today:

Economic and Climate Justice

What is at risk:

Major tariff hikes, which would raise the cost of living for everyone.
Dismantling worker protections issued by President Biden.
Repealing critical climate change programs and instead creating protections for the fossil fuel industry.
Making it harder for low-income people to access SNAP (formerly food stamps) and other anti-poverty programs.
Further slant the tax code in favor of the wealthy.
Ending price negotiations with big pharma, which will increase prescription costs for all.

How we can resist:

Push for a just, sustainable Farm Bill that promotes nutrition, land conservation, and support for small-scale farmers.
Expand the child tax credit to provide vital assistance to low-income families.
Support anti-trust efforts against big tech companies.
Support global efforts to address climate change.
Advance progressive reforms on the state and local levels.

Take action today:

To learn more, watch a full recording of our "Election to Action" webinar above.

Thanks to AFSC Global Policy and Strategy staff Aura Kanegis, Imani Cruz, Mike Merryman-Lotze, Brett Heinz, and Bashir Elhassan as well AFSC organizer Itzel Hernandez.

AFSC’s Global Policy and Strategy efforts are one part of our multi-faceted approach to building peace with justice in the world! Support our work in the difficult days ahead by joining our Compassion in Action Matching Gift Campaign!

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