US Quakers block new immigration policy
‘We know from the persecution of our spiritual ancestors the terrible cost that occurs when religious freedom is violated.’
A group of US Quakers have filed a lawsuit to stop immigration authorities from enforcing a new policy in, or near, their Meeting houses.
In the first suit of its kind, the Friends asked a Maryland court to block the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from allowing federal immigration enforcement officials to enter houses of worship. The Quakers include Philadelphia, Baltimore, New England, Adelphi and Richmond Meetings.
The suit alleges that the policy violates the first amendment and other federal protections. According to Democracy Forward, which is supporting the action, the policy is ‘sowing fear within migrant-friendly congregations and has led to cancellations in worship services out of fear’.
The action follows a reversal of the US’s longstanding protection of sensitive locations, like houses of worship. Now, protected areas, like churches, can be entered by immigration authorities, limited only by DHS’s instruction that they use ‘common sense’.
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting said: ‘Since our Yearly Meeting’s founding in 1682… we have protected space for Quakers and other religious minorities to practise their religion… The DHS policy… invades our sacred space and ability to worship freely.’
This was echoed by New England Yearly Meeting, which said: ‘As the first formal association of Quakers in the world… we know from the persecution of our spiritual ancestors the terrible cost that occurs when religious freedom is violated.’
Baltimore Yearly Meeting said: ‘The very threat of government officials wearing ICE-emblazoned jackets outside of our religious service will have a significant impact on our communities and ability to practise our faith.’
Skye Perryman, of Democracy Forward, said: ‘Our team is honored to represent Quaker Meetings that have been at the forefront in protecting values of religious liberty for centuries.’
