I was only kidding the other day (only 4 days ago!) when I asked how long it would be before the push would begin for refugees from Mali. I didn’t expect it to happen this fast—a call for temporary “refugee” status for any Malians in the US already whether here legally or illegally.
Got a hurricane, an earthquake or Al-Qaeda and the clamor begins, and once granted “temporary” refugee status they never go home! Just ask the Salvadorans or the Liberians or the Somalis or the Haitians. And, no matter what administration is running Washington the temporary refuge becomes permanent.
Here is the “call to action” from the United African Organization (LOL! from Africa, no from Illinois!):
Dear concerned global citizens, get involved and support TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS for Mali! Over the last ten months, the situation in northern Mali has escalated, with the resignation of the Prime Minister and the inability of the government to respond appropriately to the destructive armed insurgency. Over 350,000 people have been displaced and many are unable to meet their basic needs as they struggle to recover from forced evacuations as well as the remnants of a severe drought earlier in 2012. Given the current situation, deporting hundreds of Malians from the United States would only exacerbate this volatile climate and needlessly place people perilous in situations.
Temporary protected status (TPS) designation for Mali would protect those Malians in the US that need stability until the violence and conflict in their home country subside. TPS would allow those who are eligible to live, work, and study in the United States until it is safe for them to return home. In addition, TPS would enable Malians to provide support and aid to their families and communities, offering relief to those affected.
You can make a difference by calling the Secretary of DHS, Janet Napolitano, at 202-282-8000 or find your local representative by clicking here: find your local representative. You can also send the White House a letter here.
They are so predictable!