Washington DC –During a hearing of the House Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security today, Congressman Hansen Clarke (D-Detroit) raised the issue of ICE’s actions in Detroit with the Deputy Director of ICE, Mr. Kumar Kibble.
Specifically referencing cases documented by the Alliance for Immigrants Rights, Representative Clarke stated, in part:
“I want to make sure that whenever ICE conducts an enforcement action, that it’s because of specific information about the person’s immigration status, not their appearance. This kind of profiling is not only legally problematic, it’s ineffective. It’s also hampering Detroit’s economic development…The one area of Detroit that has been stabilized economically is Southwest Detroit, where immigrants have rebuilt homes and started businesses. It’s a thriving neighborhood, based on the work of immigrants.” He added, “These cases concern me because they appear to be part of a disturbing trend.”
AIR supporter and member of the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan, Art Reyes, thanked Congressman Clarke for his remarks:
“Congressman Clarke’s support is critical, and we’re grateful that our allies in Congress are raising the actions of Detroit ICE to the highest levels of government. It’s clear that the Detroit ICE office is out of control. Warrant-less searches, abuse of immigrants in detention, and violent enforcement are simply not acceptable. We’re uncovering more cases of abuse day by day, and the picture of ICE’s actions is becoming more worrisome. The leadership of ICE must take responsibility for these actions and hold those responsible to account.”
Film and director to tour Michigan with Director
Tony and Janina are a Polish-American couple. They got married in Chicago. Tony was already a US citizen and Janina was undocumented. The movie documents her deportation and Tony’s attempts to bring her back to the US. This 83 min. film follows a Polish American family through the red tape of the current U.S. immigration system, telling the untold human rights story of post-9/11, that every undocumented immigrant in America faces today. Ruth Leitman, the film’s director, will provide introduction and be available for 30 minutes for question and answers. The Michigan tour is being organized by Alliance for Immigrant Rights. Justice for Our Neighbors will host viewings in Holland and Grand Rapids.
Scheduled dates:
Holland – May 17th – 12 pm Noon (Herrick District Library)
Grand Rapids - May 17th – 7pm (Woodland Celebration Cinema) * sponsored by Avanti Law Group
Other Michigan locations include: Bay City (May 14th ); Lansing (May 15th ); Traverse City (May 16th ); Kalamazoo (May 18th ); Ann Arbor (May 19th ); Dearborn (May 20th ); Hamtramck- 12pm (May 21st );Oakland Co- 6pm (May 21st ); and Macomb Co.
For more info:
About the movie: http://tonyandjanina.com/
About the director: http://ruthlessfilms.com/about/
Print a flyer for your office:
Grand Rapids : movie poster-gr
Holland: movie poster-holland
JFON marked 7 years of service since opening the West Michigan region. We’ve served over 900 clients from 60 nations. Highlights of the past year, client statistics, client stories and volunteer recognition can be found in this report:
jfonwm_2010-e-letter
Does immigration impact your clients? If you work in social services, church ministry, community groups, or the like, this opportunity will help give you a general understanding of the current immigration system. Topics of special interest, such as domestic violence, workplace raids, the deportation and detention will also be touched on.
Liz Balck, Regional Attorney for Justice for Our Neighbors, will lead a discussion on April 21st at 3:00PM.
This event will take place at:
UCOM 1311 Chicago Dr. SW
Wyoming, MI 49509).
Please RSVP to me either through email (sarah.lindemulder@cornerstone.edu) or by phone (616.241.4006 ext. 30). To best plan for space and materials, please let me know if you plan on bringing any coworkers.
After the great success of last year’s inaugural event, Aquinas College, Calvin College and Grand Valley State University are pleased to announce the second annual Grand Rapids Latin American Film Festival which will take place April 7-9 ant Celebration! Cinema River Town and Wealthy Theatre. Open to public and Wealthy Theatre venue is FREE!
When: April 7th to 9th
Films include: El estudiante, Maldeamores, Voces inocentes, Contracorriente, Paraiso Travel, and El secreto de sus ojos.
For more information about the festival and the 2011 lineup, please visit their blog: click here
JFON-MIRC Refugee clinic 2-2011
On Staurday, February 12, JFON and Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC) served 15 refugees (4 families) who needed to make application for permanent residency. These clients from Bhutan, Burma, Ehiopia, and Eriterea were resettled in West Michigan by Bethany Christian Services and Lutheran Social Services of Michigan. Six (6) volunteers attorneys, four (4) law students and eight (8) other volunteers gave their time to this event. These clinics will continue on a bi-monthly schedule throughout the year.
The City of Holland Human Relations Commission selected Justice for our Neighbors (JFON) for their 2010 Social Justice Award in Government and Community Relations on January 19th, 2011 in the city council chambers. This annual award was established to recognize persons and programs that have provided exemplary service with regard to equality for all in
Holland Clinic Volunteers
the Holland Community. Four other awards were given out in Youth, Employment, Education, and Housing.
The commission noted that JFON provides excellent immigration legal services, education, and advocacy for many immigrants in the community. Through JFON’s faith driven and welcoming program, 300 clients from 35 different countries have been assisted since 2006 in Holland helping immigrants navigate through the maze of complex immigration requirements. Laura Rampersad, JFON regional director, accepted the award and announced that through both JFON ministries in Holland and Grand Rapids (since 2004) over 900 clients in 60 countries have been helped.
Clinics are held about once a month and our JFON attorney, Liz Balck, typically assists an average of 10 individuals or families. She stays with each case over time until it is resolved or no other avenues are available. Clients can call to make appointments on their own or may be referred by local agencies. About 35 local volunteers help with this program in Holland from First United Methodist Church as well as the community. JFON has developed an informational brochure in English and Spanish that is distributed to nonprofit agencies, schools, and churches in the area.
The DREAM Act is in the news. This bill has bi-partisan support and already passed the House. As the bill is discussed, many questions arise. This document might help answer those questions and put any fears to rest.
To learn more, visit this site: NILC
