Love, Hope and Borders

How do you get the attention of a government that does not follow the law? You protest. You do everything you can to be heard, and that’s exactly what’s happening in LA.

The Trump administration targeted California for mass immigration raids and deportations. Originally, they said that they were only taking people with criminal warrants. Then, they said that not everyone arrested had a criminal record, and that they’re “…going to enforce immigration law.” That is frightening.

Federal agents are targeting places where immigrants are trying to simply live their lives. They are setting checkpoints outside of workplaces. They are even going directly to or near schools.

Trump deployed the Guard without getting a request from Governor Newsom. This in turn, made protests escalate. Trump created chaos. He wants to see division taking place. He and his administration want to be seen as the “heroes” for detaining and deporting people, and they want the immigrant community and their allies to be portrayed as the people who are tyrants. The immigrant community only wants dignity and the due process they deserve. They want their families to stay together, and they want to continue working in the US to create a decent life for themselves and their loved ones.

What I ask is this – Stand up for people that may not be able to or are frightened to. Provide them with community resources and groups that support them and their families. EDUCATE people who were only taught one thing – that immigrants are bad, should do things “the right way”, and ultimately should go back to their place of birth. SHOW UP. Your neighbors, coworkers and friends are hurting, and many times, you won’t even know it. Living in fear is debilitating. They’re scared to go to work. They’re worried to drop off their kids at school or summer camp. This is WRONG. Defend those that don’t have the privilege that you may have. Do the hard things. The right things.

Reading comments or posts on social media already has our country making this a “We vs. Them” situation. NO. This is about basic human rights. Full stop. If we can’t get that for our neighbors, then everyone should understand why the US is in major crisis right now.

Jose and I will be present at the rally and march this Saturday, June 14 at 11:00 a.m. at the Rockford City Market Pavilion. Come find us at the Welcome with Dignity 815 table. We will be there to hand out information and answer questions you may have relating to immigration.

Below is a list of local and national resources you can share.

• Catholic Charities, Diocese of Rockford Immigrations Services
 https://catholiccharities.rockforddiocese.org/services/immigration-services/
 779-210-4025 or 779-210-4023
 6116 Mulford Village Drive, Ste. 8, Rockford, IL 61107
o Provides assistance to immigrants in need of counseling including applications for citizenship.

• Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR)
 https://www.icirr.org/
 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693)
o A group dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees.
o Family Support Hotline
o Know Your Rights documents available for download and sharing.

• La Voz Latina Immigrant Services Programs
 https://www.ywcanwil.org/la-voz-latina/
 815-968-9681 ext. 318
 4990 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61108
o Access to Justice Immigration and Legal Assistance
o Immigrant Family Resource Program and Public Benefits Assistance
o IL Welcoming Center & Crisis Intervention
o English Classes (through The Literacy Council)

• National Immigrant Justice Center
 https://immigrantjustice.org/
o A national group that works to defend the legal rights of immigrants regardless of background.
o Know Your Rights documents available for download and sharing.

• Rockford Action for Immigrants (RAI)
 Rockfordactionforimmigrants@gmail.com
 A group of community members that help newcomers make their transition to Rockford a bit easier.

• Rock Valley College Immigrant and Refugee Services
 https://rockvalleycollege.edu/community/adult-education/refugee-and-immigrant-services
 815-921-2273
o A team that helps the immigrant community in the Northern IL area.

• Welcome with Dignity 815
 https://www.facebook.com/welcomewithdignity815
o A community group dedicated to dispelling myths about immigrants and asylum seekers.