DHS’s announcement:

Published by Laura Rampersad in General on September 19th, 2011


All current deportation cases to be reviewed

For the past few months, you’ve called and petitioned the White House and the Department of Homeland Security asking for them to show some courage and protect our immigrant communities. Our demands have been heard and the Administration has taken a step in the right direction to fixing our broken immigration system.

Yesterday, senior administration officials announced that all 300,000 cases currently in deportation proceedings will be reviewed by DHS, one-by-one, in an effort to focus purely on “high-priority” cases of criminals and individuals who pose a serious threat to the US. Cases deemed “low-priority” will be completely removed from the case log and, non-criminal immigrants once facing deportation, will have the possibility to obtain work permits.

The announcement is the first pro-immigrant procedural change that will provide some relief to DREAMers, LGBT spouses, victims of domestic abuse, and other non-criminal immigrants currently in deportation proceedings.

While the announcement is complicated, we’ve summarized the procedural changes DHS has announced <http://act.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/go/top_10_facts_on_DHS_announcement/1247?akid=725.91792.odBjm6&t=6>  they’ll make.

This is an important step in the right direction. We urge the Administration to enforce this policy vigorously and follow it through to its full logical and moral conclusion: suspend deportations of all those who work hard every day to create better lives for themselves and their families.

Congrats on this victory, and thanks for all you do,

Marissa Graciosa

Reform Immigration FOR America
Click here to learn more about these policies and share with friends and family. <http://act.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/go/top_10_facts_on_DHS_announcement/1247?akid=725.91792.odBjm6&t=7>
<http://act.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/go/top_10_facts_on_DHS_announcement/1247?akid=725.91792.odBjm6&t=8>

Tony and Janina together again!

Published by Laura Rampersad in General on August 10th, 2011

A couple months ago, JFON hosted Ruth Leitman, the director of Tony and Janina’s American Wedding.  Her documentary film was shown in Grand Rapids and Holland.  The film was well received, but attendees left with a heavy heart.  New developments in the case bring good news and a happy reunion!

Michigan’s Immigrant Problem

Published by Laura Rampersad in General on July 25th, 2011

By Jack Lessenberry

Over the past year, you’ve probably heard of the controversy in Arizona, where the legislature last year passed a tough law designed to identify, prosecute and deport illegal immigrants. This was followed by similar laws in other states, including Utah, Alabama, and closer to home, Indiana. Court battles are now going on over whether these laws are constitutional, since immigration policy is normally seen as the responsibility of the federal government.

Many who oppose these laws say they intimidate legal immigrants and even those whose ancestors may have been citizens for centuries, but may vaguely “look Mexican” or “look Arabic.”

Farmers and growers in a number of states have reported difficulties recruiting the migrant workers they depend on, precisely because of such laws. Nevertheless, a number of proposed Arizona-type laws are being talked about in the Michigan legislature.

Well, Michigan does have an immigrant problem, but not the one you might think. We need more immigrants - lots more. Throughout history, immigrants have been the most productive, most industrious and most job-creating members of American society.

To read entire article go to:  http://michiganradio.org/post/michigans-immigrant-problem

Bill to Improve Refugee Services (H.R. 1475)

Published by Laura Rampersad in Advocacy Alerts on July 19th, 2011

Every year, the United States welcomes refugees who have fled their homelands due to the fear of persecution, terror, violence and even death. However, once refugees reach our shores, too often the U.S. does not have the sufficient resources and capacity to help them find employment and fully integrate into their new communities. The current economic crisis has made more evident the need for reform, as many refugees are now facing evictions, homelessness, unemployment, and destitution.

The Domestic Refugee Reform and Modernization Act (H.R. 1475) would put the United States in a better position to adequately welcome refugees and help them on their path to integration and success in their new home.

Contact your Representative today and urge them to co-sponsor this critical legislation!

How would the bill improve our refugee system?

The Domestic Refugee Reform and Modernization Act is a bi-partisan bill that would strengthen the efficiency and transparency of the Office of Refugee Resettlement. These reforms would improve the program for all refugees and bring new assistance to state programs without increasing the cost to taxpayers.

More specifically, the legislation would:

  • Give the Office of Refugee Resettlement broader authority to address needed structural changes and direct resources more effectively
  • Improve the process by which refugee resettlement funds are allocated to states
  • Improve transparency and responsiveness through better reporting on housing needs, health and mental health issues, and long-term employment outcomes

These reforms would greatly improve the U.S.’s resettlement programs by reversing its long term neglect of the needs of newly arrived refugees. In the thirty years since the passage of the Refugee Act of 1980, the resettlement program has been put in a state of crisis by its expanding mandate, drastically scaled back assistance, a more diverse refugee population, and the realities of the current economic recession.

H.R. 1475 would enable greater attention to the initial needs of refugees, so they can sooner achieve self-sufficiency, become tax-paying residents, contribute their skills back to the community, and ease the burden on states and resettlement agencies.

JFON/MIRC Refugee Clinic

Published by Laura Rampersad in Clinic Updates on July 13th, 2011

On July 23rd JFON and Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC) will host another refugee adjustment clinic for former Bethany Christian Services and Lutheran Social Services refugee clients.  We need pro-bono attorneys, law students, and trained volunteers to complete USCIS forms to adjust status from refugee to legal permanent resident.  This collaboration is held on a bi-monthly basis and the clinics growing in size to address the estimated need of 300 people in West Michigan needing to make this application.   Consider volunteering at a this clinic!  Training is provided.  See events link for more information and contact Roger at R.Nye@jfonwestmichigan.org or call 301-7461 to RSVP.

JFON named Peacemaker of the Year

Published by Laura Rampersad in General on June 27th, 2011

Grand Rapids, MI (June 28, 2011) – At the annual meeting of the West Michigan Conference the United Methodist Church held earlier this month, Justice for Our Neighbors – West Michigan (JFON-WM) was awarded the Peacemaker of the Year Award. The award is presented annually by Conference Board of Church and Society (BCS) to an individual or a group that best exemplifies peacemaking in the name of Christ. Since opening its doors in 2004, JFON-WM has served over 900 clients from 60 nations and made over 100 educational presentations to church, community and university groups. A grass-root outreach ministry of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), JFON-WM welcomes immigrants into our community by providing free, high-quality immigration legal services, education and advocacy. JFON-WM is part of nationwide network currently at 30 clinics.

The BCS advocates for the church social issues, especially those affecting the poor and marginalized of our communities. The West Michigan Conference represents over 400 churches on the western side of the Lower Peninsula.

The Peacemaker Award was accepted by Liz Balck, JFON Regional Attorney. Other staff include Laura Rampersad who serves as Regional Coordinator; and Mary DeRidder and Sally Garrett who serve as co-coordinators for the Holland site.

JFON-WM operates monthly clinics in Grand Rapids and Holland. The JFON model uses volunteers extensively to conduct intake interviews and provide hospitality to forge the relationship between immigrant and community. Over 100 trained volunteers provide over 1200 hours of service each year.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) sponsors two Justice for Our Neighbors regional sites in Michigan. JFON is a faith-driven ministry, welcoming immigrants into our communities by providing free, high quality immigration legal services, education and advocacy. JFON- West Michigan operates two clinics, one in Grand Rapids and one in Holland. JFON-Southeastern Michigan operates clinics in Dearborn and Pontiac.

Support Group Changes Locations

Published by Laura Rampersad in General on June 21st, 2011

A group formed to support immigrant families which formerly met at Olivet Church has changed meeting time and location to:

1100 Granville AVE SW- at THE COOK LIBRARY

Dates: 3rd TUESDAY of the month

Time:  5-7 pm

The group is open to both men and women who are experiencing loss of a spouse or other family member separated by current immigration laws or recent enforcement actions.  Childcare available.

Call (616) 430-5751 for information.   Click here for support-group-for-families-separated-by-immigration-laws and/or grupo-de-apoya-para-las-familias

The Dangerous Reality Behind Secure Communities in Illinois

Published by Laura Rampersad in General on June 16th, 2011

In Illinois 78% of those detained through “Secure Communities” are noncriminal immigrants.

Today, ICIRR joined with Congressman Luis Gutierrez, Chicago Mayoral candidates, and elected officials to urge Obama to stop indiscriminate immigration enforcement policies and to call for solutions at the local and federal level

To read more:    http://icirr.org/en/one-nation-one-dream/dangerous-reality-behind-secure-communities-illinois/5216

Gov. Snyder’s Opposition to Arizona-style Immigration Law

Published by Laura Rampersad in General on May 23rd, 2011

Press Release from Alliance for Immigrant Rights & Reform:

Detroit – On Thursday morning at the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s annual public policy breakfast at the Detroit Athletic Club, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder fielded questions regarding proposed anti-immigrant legislation in Michigan.

After a speech which highlighted the contributions of Hispanic and Latino businesses to Michigan’s economy and the importance that immigrants are playing in Michigan’s economic recovery, local business owners pressed the Governor on Arizona-style legislation introduced in the state legislature, HB 4305.

Governor Snyder explained his opposition to the Arizona-style legislation, stating that it was unnecessary and “would encourage a divisive atmosphere” in an already divided state. Governor Snyder also noted that there were currently over 10,000 Latino-owned businesses in Michigan, a fact which he felt deserved more attention in order to help these businesses grow.

The governor’s comments were met with enthusiastic applause from the pro-business audience which was comprised of many of the top Latino corporate leaders in Michigan.

The Governor also reminded the audience that, though Michigan was the only state to lose population according to the most recent census, the Latino population in the state actually grew by 30%, helping to stave off even greater loses in the state’s overall population.

“We’re glad to see that Governor Snyder understands the economic cost an Arizona-style law would have here in Michigan. Immigrants are building businesses, paying taxes, and helping to put our state back to work. We should have policies that welcome those investors and entrepreneurs, not treat them like criminals. We applaud Governor Snyder’s stance on this important economic and civil rights issue. He is setting a good example for forward-thinking leaders at a time when politicians in states like Arizona and Georgia have decided instead to embrace the politics of fear and division,” said Ethraim Cash Brammer, a leader of the AIR coalition and administrator at Wayne State University who was in attendance at the event.

www.michiganimmigrationreform.org

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Obama puts Immigration back on the Table

Published by Laura Rampersad in General on May 10th, 2011

Today in El Paso, TX, President Obama announced his intent to fix the broken immigration system and develop a path to citizenship.  He emphatically supported the DREAM Act and other laws that keeps families together rather than tearing them apart.  He also called for civil discussion of this issue to make it possible to enforce our laws without forgetting we are a land of immigrants.  Today we pray that this vision can be realized!!!