JFON Network Update
2008 in Retrospective
As we begin a new year, we reflect on the accomplishments, challenges and triumphs of the past year. The JFON network has much to be proud of. We have served approximately 2,400 clients at over 200 clinics held in 19 churches (plus those held at resettlement centers in Dallas and Fort Worth) across the nation. More than just numbers can express, we have helped to reunite families after years or even decades of separation, enabled our clients to access social services, helped immigrant communities better understand their rights, responded quickly to emerging threats such as workplace raids, educated others about our immigration system and advocated on behalf of our immigrant neighbors before local, state, and national bodies.
In addition to those we have served, we have increased our capacity to provide legal services. This year, the JFON Network experienced unprecedented growth with the opening of 5 new clinics – Dover and Little Rock, AR; Yonkers, NY; Nashville, TN; and Pharr, TX. Our Regional Attorney network has grown to 12 full-time attorneys. We are encouraged that the JFON family has grown so much in the past year.
The JFON national office has welcomed Cheryl Pierce as Program Coordinator and Danny Upton as National JFON Attorney. This added capacity has resulted in stronger support for the ongoing work of our existing clinics and more efficient response to inquiries from other Annual Conferences interested in starting a JFON ministry.
We are also proud that at its April meeting, the 2008 General Conference adopted two comprehensive resolutions pertaining to immigration. These two resolutions reaffirmed the United Methodist Church’s support for justice for migrants worldwide and the reform of US immigration laws.
SW Texas JFON
On Saturday Dec. 13, 2008 the Desert Southwest Texas Annual Conference opened its clinic – located less than 10 miles from the US-Mexico border. Panravee and Alice led 20 participants through a volunteer training on Friday night. The training included discussion about the history and mission of JFON, immigration law 101, building cross cultural relationships, and a role playing exercise of a typical intake interview.
In addition to serving their first 10 clients through the JFON clinic, more than 100 immigrants came to Pharr UMC as part of the Open Arms Project. Organized by Wesley Nurse, Martha Williams, Open Arms creates synergy among different groups working to meet the diverse needs of their indigent immigrant neighbors. Partnership organizations include the Mexican Embassy, Pharr Literacy Project, The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, and several healthcare providers.
Attendees were offered free flu vaccines, screenings for peripheral arterial disease, and opportunities to sign up for ESL or citizenship classes, apply for identification from the Mexican Embassy, put their names on the JFON waiting list and learn more about community services and resources. Probably most importantly, for those who live near the border, the Open Arms project provided a warm welcome to newcomers to the US.
Destroying a Dream?
For many high-achieving students in the U.S. today, the dream of going to a four-year college is unattainable. Many young people have been brought to the U.S. from countries south of the U.S. border at a very young age. They have lived in the U.S., gone to school, and excelled here, with bright dreams for their future. While some states allow resident students – regardless of their undocumented status – to qualify for in-state tuition, others deny that benefit.
California is one of ten states that continues to grant in-state tuition regardless of immigration status. Whether this will continue depends on the California Supreme Court, which agreed to hear a lawsuit challenging the in-state tuition rule. The lawsuit, which was brought by out-of-state students and parents, claim that the tuition rule violates federal law by not providing the same benefits to U.S. citizens living outside the state.
Reaching out to the Least of the Least: Sojourners and Immigrant Detainees
Read some personal experiences of immigrant detainees in Elizabeth, N.J. Having arrived in the U.S. with fraudulent documents and hoping to seek protection from dangers in their home countries, many immigrants find themselves locked behind bars, wearing prison suits and shackles. They are jailed without any clear idea of what will happen to them, or when they will be released. They live lives of fear, confusion, hopelessness and desperation. They ask questions such as: “Why could I not hug my husband for more than a year? Why could I get no fresh air? Why could I not see the sun? Why could I not wear my own clothes?”
Our Work
from Baltimore/DC
Seeking Asylum in the U.S.
Nfansu was a highly respected political figure in Gambia; he often represented Gambia abroad and before the United Nations. Considered a political threat, several of Nfansu’s kin were assassinated before he fled Gambia. Nfansu, along with his wife, mother and younger sister were all granted refuge in the United States.
Under current immigration law, Nfasu’s son, Madi is considered an adult and not considered a derivative beneficiary under his father’s asylum petition – Madi would have had to apply for asylum separately. Left behind but still fearful of his life, Madi came alone to the U.S. and applied for asylum based on his relationship to his father.
Madi went to the asylum office for an interview without representation and his case was referred to immigration court. JFON took on his case and after 2 years, his request for refugee status was granted. Tears poured down his face and his mother, Aime was also sobbing. It was a day filled with inexpressible joy!
Bangladeshi Couple Receives Permanent Residency
Khallid* and Taheera Sarkhel*came to the United States from Bangladesh four years ago. When they first arrived here, Khallid was employed as a computer programmer with the US Government, but lost his job when his visa expired. As a result, Taheera was forced to seek employment to support them and their three young children. She was only able to find menial jobs with very low wages and no security.
Although they have struggled to make ends meet, their dreams of becoming legal permanent residents remained strong. Three years ago, the Sarkhel family came to JFON for help. Monique Bona, Regional JFON Attorney, assisted them with filing petitions and applications, gathering affidavits, and in a multitude of other ways. It took them three long years but they were finally able to identify a qualified sponsor willing to provide them with an affidavit of support. During that time, they also struggled to save the $1,365 to pay application fees.
Khallid and Taheera’s immigration interview was long and strenuous. While decisions generally take a longer time, the couple was relieved when they were approved for legal permanent residency the same day. It was an emotional day for them both, but in the end a heavy burden was lifted.
*not their real names.
