Whether we are immigrants, allies, organizations, congregations or politicians determined to welcome the foreigner, we need and are inspired by solidarity. This section looks at ways we can be in solidarity that perhaps we don’t normally think of. Of course, the other sections in this Menu are also about solidarity — so you will find overlap.
Bringing about a humane immigration system will happen only if large numbers of individuals, organizations and groups speak up, organize, and take action. Clearly, this began eight years ago when: Individuals and groups wrote letters, signed online petitions, and joined rallies. Organizations drafted and publicized positions, organized demonstrations, considered sanctuary, raised money to support groups that have long histories of serving immigrants’ needs and/or advocated for compassionate and inclusive policies. Some of this activity has happened through coalitions (see links below). These efforts resulted in a bill that came before congress in 2023, but was defeated when candidate Trump demanded that the Republicans vote no so that he could keep a powerful campaign issue. It is critical that this work be continued with renewed vigor.
Remember, when standing in solidarity with our immigrant siblings, listen to and honor their needs and hopes. RMM encourages our allies to spend time and reflection on our own biases, prejudices and paternalistic tendencies and, in turn, to have patience and persistence in being present. These are frighteningly difficult times, and require all of us to find new ways of being in the world.
See also the Systemic Change/Advocacy Section at the end of this document.
Solidarity through Action & Witness
If there is truth in the statement that, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good wo/men do nothing,” (Edmund Burke/JFKennedy) then the time to act against evil immigration policies is NOW. Here are a variety of steps you can take to act:
The Political Process
Speak your mind to your elected national officials!
If you have never called or written to your U.S. Senator or Congressperson, the time to do so is now. There are a number of emerging groups that are focusing on local Congress members through regular vigils and coordinated actions. They need your participation. See the systemic change section for a list. Find out when elected officials will be at a public hearing, the opening of a fire hall, a Rotary lunch, and attend — voicing your opinion.
Get involved in politics by running for office.
Yes, we know you have an aversion to this, but decisions are being made that impact immigrants from school boards and town boards, and all the way up.
Become a regular contributor
Write letters to the editor and op-eds in the local papers; elected officials read them, as does the general public — and they need to be swayed.
Accompaniment (Standing with Others)
One of the pillars of Rural & Migrant Ministry’s Mission is “standing with the disenfranchised, especially farmworkers and rural workers, as they work for change.” RMM has been doing this for more than 40 years. Given recent federal immigration policy changes, RMM staff will continue to stand with and accompany rural immigrants whose way of life is being threatened.
Court Proceedings
One of the great emerging traumas in our communities is the detention and deportation of immigrants. This is bringing about great fear and breaking up families. There is a need for people to accompany those who are facing these removal proceedings. The New Sanctuary Coalition has created an accompaniment program that links immigrants in final removal proceedings with allies — to stand with them in court or at ICE check-ins. By accompanying someone through the immigration process, allies show judges and deportation officials that the members of the community are supportive and advocating on behalf of those in deportation proceedings.
Contact: www.newsanctuarynsc.org
Hudson Valley, Westchester, NYC contact Ravi Ragbir’s email: [email protected]
Long Island contact Anita Halasz: 631-348-1185, ext. 304
Join an effort/organization/coalition
There are so many different needs within organizations:
- Many could use a “witness/presence” as they provide transportation for program participants.
- Tutoring/mentoring/answering phones/fundraising — you name it.
- Throughout this Menu are many ways you can volunteer.
Create an intentional process to listen to immigrants (you have to be creative and determined) about what their needs are.
- Affirm the day laborers in your community as you pass by. Get to know them.
- Do an “audit” of your congregation, organization, business, etc. How welcoming are you? Do you have signs that affirm immigrants?
- Find those who speak different languages within your group/congregation and host a multi-lingual pot-luck — just to get to know one another.
- Stop by non-English-speaking congregations and introduce yourself — ask if you can do anything to help.
- Volunteer to go shopping, do errands, etc. Increasingly, people are afraid to go out into the community for even basic necessities.
- Invite congregations from the immigrant community to share the Sabbath at your place of worship.
- Make plans to protect and defend participants in your outreach and support programs.
- Join a rapid-response network (see below).
Getting Others Involved/Educate (organize!)
Contact your Clergy member
Ask them to lead the congregation in becoming more involved (see opportunities below). Ask them to speak out.
Form a Solidarity Group
There may not be an organized effort in your area— take the lead in forming one! Invite people you know to regularly meet and explore the issues, hear the stories, study various actions, and then determine and create your own action plan (do it over a pot-luck supper).
A Rapid-Response Network
Rapid-Response Networks can mean one of two things:
- A community mobilizing when there are imminent Homeland Security/Border Patrol raids, to ensure legal rights are honored;
- Mobilization to provide immediate care to a family that has been devastated by a detention or deportation.
Some areas have already created a Rapid-Response Network; you will need to do some research to see what might exist in your area.
Support Efforts Financially
Our money is where our heart is. Or, money speaks loudly. Make a financial contribution to an organization on the front lines of immigrant service, advocacy or legal representation. The reality is that many who are engaged on the front lines do not have the resources to meet this emerging and tremendous demand. We urge you to financially support organizations, and/or put together a fundraising event.
Solidarity through Action Resources
- The Interfaith Immigration Coalition [“a partnership of faith-based organizations committed to enacting fair and humane immigration reform that reflects the Scriptural mandate to welcome the stranger and treat all human beings with dignity and respect”] offers many resources at: www.interfaithimmigration.org. The website has an extensive section under Resources where one can find useful examples of successful toolkits, including: Sanctuary Movement Toolkit, Civic Engagement Toolkit, Local and State Immigration Toolkit and Immigration Raids Rapid Response: For Faith Allies Toolkit.
- Immigration Legal Rights Coalition has an important resource guide to help prepare for Immigration Raids:
www.ilrc.org/resources/toolkit-assist-people-facing-expanded-expedited-removal
www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/imm_preparedness_kit_april2020_1.pdf - The New York Immigration Coalition, www.NYIC.org, has a helpful Resources section, including Reports, Policy Briefs, and Know Your Rights. It also offers a 40-hour Immigration Law Training in Albany.
- Catholic Charities is the pre-eminent presence in many of our immigrant communities, offering a wide array of supportive services, including legal support:www.catholiccharitiesny.org.
Visit www.justicepower.org for current information and actions possible.