Families Belong Together
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Becoming a father changed my life -- there is nothing I wouldn't do for my daughter. This past Father’s Day, reports found that nearly 2,000 children had been taken from their parents at the U.S. border in just six weeks. Video footage has been incredibly painful to watch. Words fail to explain what is being done in the name of "securing our borders."
If ever there is a time for action, it is now.
I stand firmly in opposition to the federal administration's inhumane actions toward refugees and families. Despite the administration's recent Executive Order, thousands of children remain separated from their families -- hundreds of whom have just arrived in New York City. Make no mistake, the President's policy change would continue to force families into inhumane detention facilities, the latest attack in an ongoing assault against immigrants and refugees.
Our office will fight to resist these policies and support all immigrant communities. Families belong together, not in detention. While the Trump administration has announced no plans for how they will reunite separated children in New York City, we will do what we can locally.
If you're looking to get more involved, below is a list of actions you can take.
What you can do:
- Send Supplies: The Immigrant Legal Resource Center in San Antonio is requesting supplies. The organization New Leaders Council is sending supplies directly to Casa Del Peregrino Piedras Negras (aka Casa del Migrante), a shelter that helps migrants and deportees. Click here to contribute.
- Donate: Organizations like the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, the Texas Civil Rights Project, the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES), and United We Dream provide critical legal and operational support to those affected.
- Join a local action: Refugee Council USA can help you find a local event to make your voice heard. We'll be marching on June 30th, hope to see you there.
- Contact Your Representatives: Tell them to put an end to the forced detaining of immigrants and separation of families. The NAACP has a how-to guide on the issues and contact information to make your voice heard.
- Stay updated: The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) has a regularly updated resource guide on family detention, with ongoing ways to take action.
In moments like this, we need to come together and stand up for our values. New York is a city of immigrants, we will support each other.
Sincerely,
Stephen Levin
