THE FARMINGTON VALLEY LEAGUE OF LIGHT ADVOCATES FOR THE HUMANE TREATMENT OF IMMIGRANTS, REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS
August 31, 2018
Some updated information on the Child Separation crisis
The Continuing Tragedy of the Separated Children - New York Times
Less than a week after the executive order, a federal judge, Dana Sabraw, ruling in a class-action suit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union, placed a temporary injunction on family separations and ordered the administration to reunite all those it had already torn apart. A deadline of July 26 was set, with children under the age of 5 put on a fast track.
More than a month past that deadline, progress is mixed. After a bumpy start, and with occasional foot dragging on the government’s part, more than 2,000 children have been reunited with their parents. But the shadow of what these innocents have suffered lingers. Volunteers working with the families report signs of separation trauma and other mental health issues in the children. Some have become withdrawn and silent. Some panic around strangers. Others are terrified to let their parents out of their sight, even to use the bathroom. Medical professionals warn of long-term emotional and psychological damage, including anxiety disorders, depression, trust issues, memory problems and developmental delays.
And these are the “lucky" ones. As of late August, more than 500 children still languished in government custody — scared, confused and unsure of ever seeing their parents again. A few dozen have parents who have been deemed ineligible for reunification because of criminal records or other circumstances. (Disqualifying offenses include drug-possession charges, ID violations and drunken-driving convictions.)
But in a majority of cases — 343, at last count — the parents in question have already been deported. Tracking them down is time-consuming, resource-intensive work for the nonprofit groups spearheading the effort. A steering committee put together by the A.C.L.U. has 50 people working the phones, guided by contact information provided to them, after some delay, by the government. Some numbers are worthless. Trickier still, some parents have melted back into the shadows of the devastated home countries from which they fled in terror.
We also invite you to listen to the NY Times Podcasts to become better informed:
Some updated information on the Child Separation crisis
The Continuing Tragedy of the Separated Children - New York Times
Less than a week after the executive order, a federal judge, Dana Sabraw, ruling in a class-action suit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union, placed a temporary injunction on family separations and ordered the administration to reunite all those it had already torn apart. A deadline of July 26 was set, with children under the age of 5 put on a fast track.
More than a month past that deadline, progress is mixed. After a bumpy start, and with occasional foot dragging on the government’s part, more than 2,000 children have been reunited with their parents. But the shadow of what these innocents have suffered lingers. Volunteers working with the families report signs of separation trauma and other mental health issues in the children. Some have become withdrawn and silent. Some panic around strangers. Others are terrified to let their parents out of their sight, even to use the bathroom. Medical professionals warn of long-term emotional and psychological damage, including anxiety disorders, depression, trust issues, memory problems and developmental delays.
And these are the “lucky" ones. As of late August, more than 500 children still languished in government custody — scared, confused and unsure of ever seeing their parents again. A few dozen have parents who have been deemed ineligible for reunification because of criminal records or other circumstances. (Disqualifying offenses include drug-possession charges, ID violations and drunken-driving convictions.)
But in a majority of cases — 343, at last count — the parents in question have already been deported. Tracking them down is time-consuming, resource-intensive work for the nonprofit groups spearheading the effort. A steering committee put together by the A.C.L.U. has 50 people working the phones, guided by contact information provided to them, after some delay, by the government. Some numbers are worthless. Trickier still, some parents have melted back into the shadows of the devastated home countries from which they fled in terror.
We also invite you to listen to the NY Times Podcasts to become better informed:
July 23, 2018
Resource Sheet from Responding to the Trauma of Children at our Borders.
A program co-sponsored by the Farmington Valley League of Light!
Resource Sheet from Responding to the Trauma of Children at our Borders.
A program co-sponsored by the Farmington Valley League of Light!
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July 19, 2018
Our efforts mentioned in the July 19 issue of the Valley Press along with other efforts in the Farmington Valley to take a stand against Child Separation at our Borders. |
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July 10, 2018, July 11, 2018, July 13, 2018, July 17, 2018
Updated our July 6, 2018 statement with additional signers!
Updated our July 6, 2018 statement with additional signers!
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July 9, 2018
Read our Press Release including our signed statement: |
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July 6,2018
The Farmington Valley League of Light Steering Committee has been joined by 23 area Faith Leaders in signing a comprehensive demand to reunite Immigrant families, for Immigration Reform as well as to cease harmful Immigrant rhetoric.
Please read the statement as follows:
Farmington Valley area clergy and faith leaders join League of Light members in strongly condemning recent immigration policies implemented at the United States southern border that have disrupted migrant families and separated children of all ages, including babies, from parents. Even though an Executive Order of June 20, 2018 rolls back this cruel practice of family separation, deep concerns remain about the status of children who were already separated from parents and about ongoing issues related to migrant families.
We belong to varied faiths and follow different traditions, but the religious teachings and values that we all cherish support the need for strong families and vibrant, unified communities. We, therefore, urge that priority attention be given to the following issues:
Our religious traditions teach that compassion must guide us, particularly as we embrace the stranger and aid the poor and the vulnerable. Humanitarian considerations have always been an important part of the American ethos. Any comprehensive effort to reform our current immigration system must take into account how our policies and our rhetoric affect the dignity and strengths of families and communities. We must do better at our nation’s borders.
Signed Farmington Valley League of Light Steering Committee:
The Farmington Valley League of Light Steering Committee has been joined by 23 area Faith Leaders in signing a comprehensive demand to reunite Immigrant families, for Immigration Reform as well as to cease harmful Immigrant rhetoric.
Please read the statement as follows:
Farmington Valley area clergy and faith leaders join League of Light members in strongly condemning recent immigration policies implemented at the United States southern border that have disrupted migrant families and separated children of all ages, including babies, from parents. Even though an Executive Order of June 20, 2018 rolls back this cruel practice of family separation, deep concerns remain about the status of children who were already separated from parents and about ongoing issues related to migrant families.
We belong to varied faiths and follow different traditions, but the religious teachings and values that we all cherish support the need for strong families and vibrant, unified communities. We, therefore, urge that priority attention be given to the following issues:
- Delays in reunification of children with their parents: As a direct result of the family separation policy enacted in April 2018, there are still many children (more than 2,000 as of June 30) scattered across the country in various types of shelters. Some children were placed very far from their families. Family reunification must be a top priority as the potential psychological and developmental harm to a young child in this situation is great, and separation is simply inhumane for the entire family.
- Furthermore, during this recent period there have been reports of makeshift and crowded conditions at shelters for children that were contrary to best practices in the field as well as a violation of human decency. This has to be corrected immediately.
- Future immigration reform efforts: Weaknesses in our immigration laws must be fixed and take into account unintended consequences of family disruption on children and families.
- Harmful rhetoric from leaders about migrant families: Some administration officials appear to demonize immigrants by suggesting that so many are dangerous criminals. This does not line up with crime statistics. Officials also minimize the risks immigrants have taken to save their families from religious persecution, gang violence and other extreme hardships. Recent political rhetoric suggests that leaders could be using migrant children as bargaining chips in a type of political gamesmanship. These toxic messages harm communities by sowing seeds of hate and discord.
Our religious traditions teach that compassion must guide us, particularly as we embrace the stranger and aid the poor and the vulnerable. Humanitarian considerations have always been an important part of the American ethos. Any comprehensive effort to reform our current immigration system must take into account how our policies and our rhetoric affect the dignity and strengths of families and communities. We must do better at our nation’s borders.
Signed Farmington Valley League of Light Steering Committee:
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*Steering Committee members who also appear on the list of faith leaders
Signed Farmington Valley and Local Area Faith Leaders:
Signed Farmington Valley and Local Area Faith Leaders:
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Khamis Abu–Hasaballah
Farmington Valley American Muslim Center Rabbi Yitzchok Adler Beth David Synagogue, West Hartford, CT Fatma Antar Islamic Association of Greater Hartford, Berlin, CT Rev. Michael P. Aparo MSW Rabbi Jeffrey Bennett Temple Sinai, Newington, CT Rabbi Donna Berman, Charter Oak Cultural Center, Hartford, CT Pastor Matt Blazer Covenant Presbyterian Church, Simsbury, CT Rabbi Debra Cantor B’nai Tikvoh –Sholom, Bloomfield, CT Rev. Karen S. Cook, Pastor North Canton Community United Methodist Church Rev. Chris Dion, Simsbury CT Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Rabbi Andi Fliegel Congregation Beth Israel, West Hartford, CT Rev. Laura Galbraith Asbury United Methodist Church, Forestville, CT Rabbi Ilana Garber Beth El Temple West Hartford,CT Rev. Susan Gibson Pastor, First Church of Christ Congregational,1652, Farmington, CT |
Rabbi Rebekah Goldman, Simsbury CT
Samia Hussein President Muslim Coalition of Connecticut, Bloomfield, CT Rabbi Randall J. Konigsburg Beth Sholom B’nai Israel, Manchester, CT Rev. Dr. Virginia McDaniel First Congregational Church of Granby, CT Deacon Art Miller. Simsbury, CT Rev Erica Nierendorf Avon Congregational Church Rev. Gene Ott Simsbury United Methodist Church Rabbi Michael Pincus Congregation Beth Israel, West Hartford, CT Rev. Julie Reuning-Scherer Lead –Pastor St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Avon, CT Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Father George Roberts St James Episcopal, Farmington, CT Rabbi James Rosen Beth El Temple, West Hartford, CT Sister Mary Ann Strain, CP Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center Farmington, CT Rev. Kevin L. Weikel Associate Minister, Youth and Young Adults First Church, Simsbury, CT |
July 3, 2018
If you are called to respond to the issue of Immigrant Family Separation, we have some initial suggested steps and resources listed below. We do recognize that in the face of such a complex and emotionally difficult issue, complacency is tempting. We urge you instead to take action as you are able, knowing that even small steps make a difference.
1. READ
Immigration policy is complicated, but there is a lot of good information available to help everyone better understand the various perspectives: https://www.allsides.com/topics/immigration
2. DONATE
There are many agencies providing critical assistance to those migrant individuals and families that are being impacted by current policy. Here are some of them you may consider supporting:
3. FOLLOW
This issue is not going to be resolved anytime in the near future so we encourage you to follow on social media some of the organizations listed above in order to stay informed.
4. CALL
Call your Congressional representatives and tell them how you feel and what you'd like them to do. Even if they are already in agreement with your stance, your voice really does make a difference. Find their numbers here
If you are called to respond to the issue of Immigrant Family Separation, we have some initial suggested steps and resources listed below. We do recognize that in the face of such a complex and emotionally difficult issue, complacency is tempting. We urge you instead to take action as you are able, knowing that even small steps make a difference.
1. READ
Immigration policy is complicated, but there is a lot of good information available to help everyone better understand the various perspectives: https://www.allsides.com/topics/immigration
2. DONATE
There are many agencies providing critical assistance to those migrant individuals and families that are being impacted by current policy. Here are some of them you may consider supporting:
- Together Rising
- ACLU
- Women's Refugee Commission
- National Immigrant Justice Center
- Kids in Need of Defense
- RAICES – Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services
3. FOLLOW
This issue is not going to be resolved anytime in the near future so we encourage you to follow on social media some of the organizations listed above in order to stay informed.
4. CALL
Call your Congressional representatives and tell them how you feel and what you'd like them to do. Even if they are already in agreement with your stance, your voice really does make a difference. Find their numbers here
June 26, 2018
We are actively supporting the following event to raise awareness of this situation and to call for support of those families being impacted. We hope that our members will attend:
You may also want to consider attending the Rally on Monday July 2, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at the Hartford, CT ICE offices:: Imagine a World without Immigrant Detention!
We are actively supporting the following event to raise awareness of this situation and to call for support of those families being impacted. We hope that our members will attend:
- Friday June 29, 2018, 12:00 p.m. at the Hartford State Capitol Building :: A Day of Action - Connecticut!
You may also want to consider attending the Rally on Monday July 2, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at the Hartford, CT ICE offices:: Imagine a World without Immigrant Detention!
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,June 20, 2018
The Farmington Valley League of Light strongly condemns the current separation of immigrant families occurring at the U.S. border. As people of varied faith traditions, we stand united in our support for the dignity of all humanity and advocacy for those who are hurt by intolerance or hate. The practice of forced separation of children from their families is an egregious violation of human decency that is not supported by scriptures from any of our faith traditions. Our group calls for the immediate end of this horrific practice, and we will be providing more information shortly on additional ways for the community to join our efforts. Signed by the Farmington Vallley League of Light Steering Committee and Advisers,
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