ICYMI: This week Human Rights First’s CEO Elisa Massimino wrote an op-ed for the The Hill to celebrate Human Rights Day. She wrote about the important role that Congress, the courts, and American citizens play in espousing American leadership on human rights. That includes you – veterans standing up for refugees and countering anti-Muslim bigotry.  And it is why we are so proud to stand with you to represent American ideals.

After last week’s Supreme Court decision allowed the travel ban to take effect, advocates from across the country continue to speak out against the controversial ban. Several young advocates were chronicled on Monday in Teen Vogue. They argue that the latest travel restrictions imposed on mostly Muslim-majority countries are dangerous, harmful, and act as a painful reminder of “how deep Islamophobia runs in not only the American government but also in our culture.”

On the lookout for a long read this wintry weekend?  Check out Phil Klay’s recent piece, “Tales of War and Redemption,” in the American Scholar. “To take our obligations to our fellow man seriously,” Klay writes, “means knowing, at all times, that we should be moving toward a revolutionary change of heart, for the strength to act more fully, directly, and powerfully in relation to the agony existing not just overseas, but in the divided communities where we live.” Klay is a Marine veteran of the Iraq War and the author of the short story collection Redeployment, winner of the 2014 National Book Award for Fiction.

“I worked day and night alongside Americans for 10 years, faithfully and like a brother to them,” says Kamran, who served the US mission as an Afghan interpreter. Facing Taliban threats, Kamran was forced to flee to Pakistan. Today, despite his service to our country, the United States government continues to refuse him refuge. Read more about Kamran’s story and the Sacramento family who believe that fighting for Kamran and his family is “the most important fight of [their] life.” 

On Tuesday, President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act, NDAA, for Fiscal Year 2018. The bill includes 3500 SIV’s for our Afghan wartime allies. The NDAA conferees also affirmed their belief that the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program “continues to be critical for the U.S. Government’s operations in Afghanistan.”

If you are in the New York City area over the weekend and are looking for ways to support refugees this holiday season, be sure to head to the Refugee Art show tomorrow. Check out the event on Facebook and be sure to read more about it here.

Refugee of the Week: Abdul is an Afghan SIV recipient who was, despite service at the U.S. Embassy and approval for a visa after extensive vetting, was detained on arrival in the United States without explanation. He has been detained in Elizabeth, New Jersey since his arrival in March pending the adjudication of his asylum claim. Aside from the Ohio-based former military supervisor who recommended Abdul for his SIV, Abdul has no friends or family in the United States and his experience here so far has been scary and isolating. This December, we are hoping to send him holiday cards to share some holiday spirit. Please join us in sending a holiday card wishing Abdul well! Cards can be addressed to Abdul care of his attorney at the following address:

Abdul c/o Farrin Anello

American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey

P.O. Box 32159

Newark, NJ 07102