Dear John,

We’ve been here before.

Since Amnesty’s founding, we’ve lived through times of overwhelming uncertainty. And through it all, we have mobilized extraordinary people like you to join together and take action to defend human rights.

Despite today’s unique crises and challenges, you are still showing up. You and millions of other Amnesty supporters are proof of the tenacity of the human spirit. And because of you, we have incredible human right wins to celebrate.

Here is an update on some of our most recent victories, each made possible by your dedication:

KEY VICTORIES

Pastor Steven’s Deportation Suspended

When Pastor Steven Tendo, a human rights defender seeking safety in the US and detained by ICE, was informed he would be deported back to Uganda where he would likely be killed immediately upon arrival, Amnesty sprang into action. We drove thousands of calls and emails to ICE, mobilized on social media, and alerted the press and key Members of Congress.

After extraordinary pressure, ICE Director Tony Pham agreed to suspend Pastor Steven’s deportation until the federal appeal on his asylum claim is heard. As his health continues to suffer from diabetes and inadequate medical care in detention, Amnesty is renewing calls for his release so he can fight for his right to seek asylum in safety and freedom. Demand the immediate release of Pastor Steven »

Amnesty Billboards Shine Light on Family Immigration Detention

With your support, we launched billboards and trucks (pictured above) in Texas, Pennsylvania and Washington DC — calling for the release of all families detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) — and targeting the ICE field offices overseeing their custody as well as the officials in charge, from newly appointed ICE Director Tony Pham to DHS Acting Secretary Chad Wolf. Read more in Newsweek »

U.S. Takes Crucial Step to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

In a rare bipartisan move, the House passed a bill aimed at addressing the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), and we anticipate it will be signed into law. Native American women face a murder rate exponentially higher than the national average. Savanna’s Act is a CRITICAL first step in addressing this crisis. Read more »

ONGOING BATTLE

Right now, tens of thousands of immigrants and asylum-seekers — parents and young children among them — are locked up in ICE detention centers.

Freeing them is a top priority for Amnesty. We are ratcheting up pressure on newly appointed ICE Director Tony Pham to free asylum seekers, and we have a fifteen-page document that lays out our strategy — from releasing damning reports to the media that expose human rights violations, to campaigning on behalf of individuals and families, to lobbying Congress and calling on ICE to free detained families together.

We’ve set a goal of collecting 20,000 messages to families in detention this week. It takes just one minute and you can customize your message: Send asylum seekers a message of hope during difficult times.

FEATURED ACTION

In recent months, we’ve seen unprecedented political violence and unrest, record sales of firearms, and a surge in white supremacist violence. Now, as we approach Election Day in the U.S., we face another dangerous prospect: armed intimidation and gun violence at the polls.

Voters and poll workers shouldn’t have to risk their lives to exercise their right to participate in the political process. Send an urgent message to your governor right now: demand that your state ban guns near and at polling locations »

It goes without saying that, at times, it feels that we’re facing an uphill battle — but even during the most challenging moments, we must continue to shine a light on our wins and put one foot in front of the other. On behalf of all of us at Amnesty, I want to thank you for your stalwart commitment to human rights.

Your spirit and determination are a critical part of our success.

With appreciation,

Billie Hirsch
Director of Online Engagement
Amnesty International USA

P.S. If you feel inspired by these wins, consider making a tax-deductible donation to help fuel this work in the weeks and months ahead. Amnesty relies on individuals like you to fund our campaign and research efforts.

© 2020 Amnesty International USA

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