| A new time for justice work. Bridge to Rutland has been in existence since August of 2020. We have welcomed 5 families, surrounded 12 asylum seekers with wrap-around services and helped another dozen with answering questions and referring them to the help they needed.
In that time the Rutland area has taken part in our work by very generously donating time, money, expertise, household goods and places in their hearts for our families.
Here is what you need to know for going forward because the new administration is anti-immigrant and is perpetrating lies about immigrants, including our asylum-seeking friends:
- Asylum seekers are legally in the United States, even if they have been in detention. Once they are in the court system, they have the right to be here until their asylum cases are heard.
- Once they have a work permit, they have the right to work just as much as anyone else.
- All of our asylum seekers who are working have earned high praise from their employers for their hard work and commitment to their jobs.
- The majority of immigrants are NOT criminals, just like the majority of citizens aren’t criminals.
- The threat of mass deportations is flawed policy for many reasons – please check out the American Immigration Council’s excellent analysis:
https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/mass-deportation#
- The threat of deportation is very frightening for the asylum seekers here in Rutland, as well as for immigrants across the US. (B2R will be having a training with our asylum seekers about what to expect and how to deal with issues that come up.)
So how do we work together in this new time?
- All of the good support you’ve given before is still needed! Please respond to requests for help in the future. (including our biggest fundraiser – the arts marathon – see below)
- Stay up to date on the news and stay informed about immigration changes and challenges through the American Immigration Council. Their website, above, is full of professional legal analysis.
- Read and respond to B2R emails that may come out in case of urgent needs.
- Request someone from B2R to talk with your group (faith community, book club, social group, workplace, etc.) – In February there will be more information about concrete local steps to work for change and justice.
United we stand…Thank you!
N.B. All of our Board Members and Executive Director are donating their time and talent as volunteers. Contact the office to volunteer and/or donate. |
