The Episcopal Church laments the Supreme Court’s June 25 ruling in Mullin v. Al Otro Lado, which held that asylum seekers who are stopped before physically crossing into U.S. territory have not “arrived” in the United States for purpose of claiming asylum. This decision could mean that those who are fleeing persecution, and who historically have had the right to claim asylum at ports of entry, will not be able to do so. As a result, we fear that vulnerable people will be turned away, and that our nation’s pledge to provide protection for those fleeing persecution will be eroded. As we stated in the amicus brief signed by our presiding bishop the Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe, and House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris:
“The Government’s theory that it can bar asylum seekers from lawfully crossing the U.S. border at a port of entry—without an opportunity to seek asylum, even if they are entitled to it—rejects our civilization’s heritage and our religious and moral obligations to offer persecuted strangers a place of safety.”
We also regret the Supreme Court ruling in Mullin v. Doe, which cleared the way for the administration to terminate Temporary Protected Status for many Haitians and Syrians who have been able to live and work legally in the United States during a time of great instability in their home countries. This means that families who have built their lives, raised children, worshiped, worked, and contributed to their communities in the United States may now face the loss of work authorization and protection from deportation, and may need to return to countries still marked by violence, instability, or humanitarian crisis.
We recognize that the full consequences of these rulings are still uncertain and will depend on how the administration implements them, how agencies exercise discretion, and whether further legal challenges or congressional action follow.
The Episcopal Church will continue supporting immigrants and asylum seekers in all of our ministries. We will advocate for laws and policies that center welcome, protection from harm, and integration. The Episcopal Church is a home to immigrants, and Episcopalians across the country and around the world continue to minister to and walk alongside migrants in need. We will continue to uphold the dignity of refugees and migrants following the biblical call to welcome the stranger.
