While Congress is still working on a solution to the immigration crisis, there are various ways people can help. These include volunteering at shelters and providing aid to families in need. Here are some great ways you can be an advocate and help.
- Protest
On International Women’s Day, a group of Indian women organized a protest in San Jose, California, to highlight the plight of immigrant workers. According to the event’s organizers, tens of thousands of women from India are forced out of their jobs each year due to the H-1B and H-4 policies.
The H-1B visa allows US companies to hire foreign workers who have the necessary technical or theoretical expertise in certain specialty occupations. Most technology companies rely on this visa to hire thousands of workers each year from countries such as China and India.
According to the protestors, the US government has been very slow in issuing work authorization permits (H-4) for certain categories of spouses of H-1B visa holders. This is the reason why many highly skilled Indian IT professionals in the country are forced out of their jobs.
- The Lights for Liberty Vigil
The event’s goal, called a vigil to end human detention camps, is to bring thousands of people to the streets to show their support for refugees.
- Paying Bail For Detention Centers
One of the fastest ways to help an immigrant family is by paying their bail for detention centers. This can be done through a community bail fund. If the person shows up for court, the money can be used to pay for other expenses.
- Money towards their counsel
You can also help pay for the immigration lawyers available to help the families. You can find these organizations by searching for “indigent immigration defense” on Google.
- Reaching Out to Your Local Government
Although immigration is a federal law, all politics are local. If you live in a county where local law enforcement officials work with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ask them to not work with them, as well as contact your local congress representatives.
- Help Fund Non-Profits
Individuals with significant financial resources can also make a significant contribution to various non-profit organizations that serve immigrants. They can help fund programs that promote legal reforms and provide case management services. Non-profits can also use their funds to develop research programs supporting immigrant families.
- Support Groups Helping Immigrants
Support groups working to help immigrant families, such as RAICES and Immigrant Families Together. These organizations often hold community demonstrations to provide immigrant families with transportation, shelter, and other services. Volunteers are also needed to help these groups.
- Fundraise
On the website of Immigrant Families Together, there are a variety of ways that people can raise money for the organization. Some of these include silent auctions and movie nights.
- Volunteer
Teaching English as a second language can help people navigate American culture. You can also help other immigrants improve their English skills by volunteering at local organizations that provide English-language classes.
- Learn The Rights
Groups focused on helping immigrants understand their rights are developing resources to help them navigate the various steps involved in immigration.
- Give Air Miles
One of the most prominent organizations that provide financial and airline miles to people in border shelters is Lawyer Moms of America. They aim to help those who have already attained asylum leave and make room for new arrivals.