25 June 2019
“No one is illegal on stolen land.”
June is #ImmigrantHeritageMonth in the US, a time to remember and celebrate our family immigration stories. But it’s not enough to recognize the contributions immigrants have made and continue to make in the US and abroad. It’s not enough to #CelebrateImmigrants. We must take every opportunity to stand up against the continued vilification of immigrants across the world. As immigrant families are being ripped apart in the US, we cannot look away from the pain and suffering happening in our very communities. We cannot wish away the bad and we cannot forget our shared humanity.
We also cannot forget our history. Colonization by European settlers, the ongoing genocide of Indigenous peoples, and the continuation of colonialism have had a direct hand in the political, social and environmental disruptions in the home countries of those seeking asylum. We cannot ignore why these immigrants were displaced. We must remember that no one is illegal on stolen land.
What can we do?
First if all, know your rights! You can print a red card with your rights in multiple languages from the Immigrant Legal Resources Center.
If you are in the US, contact your elected officials and demand protections for asylum seekers and comprehensive immigration reform.
Support organizations who are on the front lines of protecting and defending vulnerable immigrant communities:
RAICES: This Texas-based organization offers free and low-cost legal services to immigrant children and families. Donate here and sign up as a volunteer here.
Pueblo Sin Fronteras: This organization provides humanitarian aid and shelter to migrants on their way to the U.S. Donate here.
Together Rising: This Virginia-based organization is helping provide legal assistance for 60 migrant children who were separated from their parents and are currently detained in Arizona. Donate here.
Al Otro Lado: This bi-national organization works providing legal services to deportees and migrants in Tijuana, Mexico, including deportee parents whose children remain in the U.S. Donate here.
The Florence Project: This Arizona-based organization offers free legal services to men, women, and unaccompanied children in immigration custody. Donate here.
Join a protest or vigil near you
Share your immigration stories #myimmigrationstory #CloseTheCamps
This post was written by Jessica Duffy and Jane Zelikova, members of the 500 Women Scientists leadership team.
Photo by Barth Bailey on Unsplash