Colorado action calling on the U.S. government to welcome immigrants with dignity and protect human rights for asylum seekers. Photo: Jordan Garcia/AFSC Colorado
Everyone deserves a chance to build a good life, regardless of where they were born or when or how they migrated. When people make the difficult choice to leave their homes, they are seeking safety, opportunities, and a chance to contribute to a new country. They should be welcomed with dignity.
The U.S. has the resources to ensure humane, comprehensive support for newcomers. But today, the incoming Trump administration is threatening immigrant safety by calling for mass deportations, the dismantling of longstanding rights, and policies that dehumanize immigrants.
As a Quaker organization, AFSC’s belief in the divine worth of every person calls us to act for justice, working alongside people of all faiths and backgrounds. We refuse to accept these unjust policies. And we will not sit back and watch as communities and families are torn apart and fundamental rights are eroded.
When we take action together, grounded in love, we can make a difference. Here are six ways you can join us in resisting harms to our communities and building toward the more just, humane, and peaceful world we want to see:
1. Promote messages and policies emphasizing that immigrants make our communities stronger. By talking about welcoming, dignified, and just immigration policies, we can shift the narrative away from the anti-immigrant rhetoric we often hear. You can talk with your family and friends, write letters to the editor, comment on local media websites, meet with editorial boards, and host community conversations. To learn more, check out AFSC’s 6 principles for welcoming, dignified, and just immigration.
2. Urge your members of Congress to keep families and communities together. Research shows that 74% of people in the U.S. support taking immediate steps to make our immigration system more welcoming and dignified, according to a 2024 YouGov poll conducted last year on behalf of AFSC. But the incoming administration’s plan for expanding deportation and detention across the U.S. violates human and civil rights and puts families and beloved community members at risk of separation. Send a message to Congress today: please do everything you can to keep families and communities together.
3. Join our webinar “Third Tuesdays: Protect, Resist, and Build with AFSC.” Hear directly from AFSC staff and partners to stay up to date on issues affecting immigrant rights, economic justice, and peace. You’ll connect with activists across the country and get concrete ways to take action.
4. Take part in protests, rallies, vigils, or actions in your community. Public witness in support of humane policies and opposing harmful ones has an impact. It can garner media attention, put pressure on elected officials, and engage many others in our efforts. You can also download and print these protest posters to take with you.
5. Accompany immigrants in your community. Whether you’re an immigrant or an ally, you can join efforts in your community to accompany immigrants as they go through court processes, check-ins with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or to other appointments. If you’re in or near San Diego, California; Colorado; Miami, Florida; New Hampshire; New Jersey; or Oregon, you can connect with a local AFSC office. You can also look for other immigrant rights programs in your area and find more ways to volunteer your services.
6. Make a gift. Donate to our Refugee Response Fund to help bring critical support to migrants, refugees, and displaced people, including immigrant communities in the U.S. Choose monthly giving to join a group of committed supporters providing steady funding we can count on throughout the year.
