January 21, 205
Yesterday was a day of stark contradictions thinking about Martin Luther King Jr. and the inauguration; the words and actions of peace and nonviolence on the one hand and that of bigotry and cruelty on the other. The executive actions that the new administration promised took place en masse and with quick speed. Many we had been expecting and planning for, however, they were still shocking and extremely disturbing. The challenges ahead are immense for immigrant and LGBTQI+ communities, and the health of Mother Earth. However, MLK’s words remind us that we can choose how we move forward at this time.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate.
Only love can do that.” - MLK Jr.
Yesterday’s Executive Orders such as realignments of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, Declaration of National Emergency at the Southern Border of the United States, Securing our Borders, Mass Deportation, and Denial of Birthright Citizenship impacts immigrant communities and brutally violates our civil and human rights. Here's a summary of Trump’s Executive Orders by the National Immigration Law Center that provides an overview, explanation, and expected impact of the orders.
At Refugee & Immigrant Transitions, we will continue to welcome and support our communities with their long-term adjustment to the U.S. Let us choose love and light as we support one another and our communities today and tomorrow. Together, we can do this.
Rapid Response
For quick reference, here's a summary of rapid response partnerships throughout the Bay Area and phone numbers to call for ICE activity:
Alameda County Rapid Response
www.centrolegal.org/acilep
Hotline: 510-241-4011
Stand Together Contra Costa County
www.standtogethercontracosta.org
Hotline: 1-925-900-5151
San Francisco
www.sfrrn.org/rapid-response-resources.html.
For ICE activity or arrests call: 415-200-1548
SF Public Defender’s Office (Immigration Defense) call: 415-553-1671
Resharing Know Your Rights Resources and Upcoming Training!
To prepare and protect our community, we have been collecting Know Your Rights (KYR) resources and providing training to our volunteers, staff, and community. Please share these with your students, friends, and neighbors.
Immigrant Defense Project:
East Bay Sanctuary Covenant:
Know Your Rights Videos in different languages with different scenarios
California Attorney General:
Know Your Immigration Rights and Protection Under the Law (You have the right to an attorney; state and local law enforcement cannot ask for your immigration status for immigration enforcement purposes; state and local law enforcement cannot assist ICE with immigration enforcement, with very limited exceptions)