As we gather with our loved ones for the holiday season, we know that everyone deserves to live in peace, with dignity and justice. Yet for many immigrants, this past year has brought fear and chaos. The Trump administration’s escalation of detention and deportation has torn apart families, neighborhoods, and communities.
We know a better, more just world is possible.
This month, Friends and community members across the country came together to show their support for immigrants and demand human rights for all people.
From Dec. 10—International Human Rights Day—through Dec. 18—International Migrants Day—people in nearly a dozen cities joined our Stronger With Immigrants Week of Action. In California, North Carolina, New Jersey, Minnesota, Colorado, West Virginia, and other states, community members and AFSC staff organized vigils, protests, and other events.
“We need immigration policies that are welcoming, and that give people an opportunity to adjust their status,” says U.S. Migration Director Amy Gottlieb. “Border walls and cages do not deter migration; they only harm our families and communities. With our actions, we resist this cruelty because we know our communities are stronger with immigrants.”
On Dec. 6, Friends in five cities across the country also joined together for the first “Love as Action” Quaker witness events. Events took place in Atlanta, Chicago, Des Moines, New York, and Philadelphia.
“At AFSC, we have been deeply disturbed by the authoritarian actions taking place in our country,” says U.S. South Region Director Jacob Flowers. “Like so many others, we feel compelled, with love leading us, to take public action. And as we often feel called, we wanted to do it as a public witness, to show that even a simple action of public witness can make a difference. To take one step of the many that we are all taking to build beloved community.”
Thank you to everyone who has joined us this month! We are grateful to all who are taking action—in many ways—to show that our communities are stronger with immigrants.
In San Diego, California, and Tijuana, Mexico, La Posada Sin Fronteras celebrated its 32nd year. This event brings the nativity story of Jesus’ birth to life. Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter on Christmas Eve is interpreted from the perspective of a family seeking refuge, like many families who arrive at the US-Mexico border. Every year, human rights organizations, including AFSC, come together for this event. Together, they remember those who have lost their lives crossing the border—reading every name aloud.
In West Virginia, faith leaders and community members gathered at the state Capitol. There, speakers shared about the vital role of immigrants in our communities and reenacted the nativity story. Then they delivered a petition to the offices of the Governor, Attorney General, Senate President, and House Speaker, calling for a moratorium on ICE arrests.
In New Jersey, community members held a gift card drive for detained immigrants and a letter writing session. Participants sent messages of support to Leqaa Kordia. Leqaa is a Palestinian resident of New Jersey who has been unjustly detained for over 8 months. Together, participants took action to demand her freedom--and justice for all immigrants.
In Philadelphia, Friends joined together for the first “Love as Action” Quaker witness events.
In Philadelphia, Friends joined together for the first “Love as Action” Quaker witness events.
The Stronger With Immigrants Week of Action was organized by a coalition that included AFSC, Detention Watch Network, the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and the Immigrant Justice Network.
