Immigrant Solidarity
Members of First Unitarian on their way to the Lights For Liberty Vigil, July 12, 2019
Our second Unitarian Universalist principle call for us to work for justice, equity and compassion in human relations. With this in mind, our congregation voted to become a Sanctuary Space in the summer of 2017.
Since then, we have hosted seven asylum-seekers, arranging housing with members and friends of the congregation, paying for their food, legal fees, and transportation, and helping with other needs in the long process of applying for and being granted asylum, which may take years. We also have a team of volunteers on call around the clock in case an immigrant needs immediate short-term sanctuary at First Unitarian.
If you or a loved one are an asylum-seeker or immigrant seeking support, please contact the Immigrant Solidarity Committee at fuubimmigrantsolidarity@gmail.com.
To learn more about the Immigrant Solidarity Committee and get involved, check out these links:
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Our online fundraiser — donations make it possible for us to support the asylum-seekers staying with members and friends of the congregation
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Our charter, approved by the Congregation at our May 2019 Annual Meeting
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Email fuubimmigrantsolidarity@gmail.com to be added to our listserv so you can receive news and volunteer opportunities!
Finally, here are some helpful resources from organizations we have worked with:
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“We Have Rights”: an informational “know your rights” resource from Brooklyn Defender Services and the American Civil Liberties Union
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Pro Se clinic at the New Sanctuary Coalition, where immigrants and asylum-seekers can get free legal advice
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Immigrant Justice at Faith In New York
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New York City Democratic Socialists of America – Immigrant Justice Working Group
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to reach out to us if you need help or would like to volunteer.
“Compassion is something that we can easily act on individually. We can demonstrate openness, give people respect, and treat people with kindness on our own. But we need one another to achieve equity and justice.” -Rev. Emily Gage, Unity Temple, Chicago, IL (read more from Emily in The Seven Principles in Word and Worship, ed. Ellen Brandenburg)
