As the threats against our immigrant neighbors grow, and the paths toward relief narrow, our community continues to step up. Though it often seems as though the challenges are only growing, we have intensified our commitments to solidarity; devoting time, resources, and energy to develop a range of responses to the emerging crisis.
SOLIDARITY AT THE STATE HOUSEJCRC joined the Driving Families Forward coalition to pass legislation increasing access to drivers’ licenses. We continue to advocate for this bill, which would allow anyone to apply for a driver’s license, regardless of immigration status, enabling immigrants to drive themselves and their families to work and school, pass driving tests, and get insurance – making the roads safer for everyone. As part of the MA Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) coalition, JCRC is working to pass the Safe Communities Act to protect the rights of our immigrant neighbors and create standards for law enforcement interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). #FALLFREEDOMDAY
On November 20th, our network was part of a national effort, led by RAICES, to bond 188 people nationwide out of detention in two days. On a rainy Wednesday before Thanksgiving, a group of 10 volunteers from our network bonded a total 17 people out of immigration detention.
“BIJAN and the Jewish community have been there for me through very hard moments.” — BONNY M, ASYLUM SEEKER
“Together with interfaith and synagogue partners, including my own synagogue, we’re building robust networks of solidarity and support which have helped individuals and families facing unimaginable decisions and uncertain futures.” — RABBI CLAUDIA KREIMAN, JCRC BOARD MEMBER AND SENIOR RABBI OF TEMPLE BETH ZION IN BROOKLINE
OUR WORK ON THE GROUND 2017-2019:
- 1,500 PEOPLE IN OUR NETWORK
- BONDED 160+ PEOPLE out of immigrant detention
- PROVIDED 250 PEOPLE with legal representation
- ACCOMPANIED those detained at 1,000+ immigration hearings
- FOUND HOUSING FOR 65 individuals and families
