I have sat and cried with migrants in Jail. This statement is for them.
The Friends World Committee for Consultation (Quakers)
believes that a humane immigration policy must protect families from
separation, protect migrants from crime and human rights violations, and
include a fair path for migrants and their children to gain lawful residence
status.
Migrants are not protected from crime when they fear removal
and deportation for contacting law enforcement to report crimes. Migrants who fear
calling the police risk becoming targets of violence and economic exploitation.
Failure to report crime makes communities less safe. Some countries separate thelaw enforcement and
immigration functions of government. We encourage others countries to follow
their example. Immigration policies that make parents fear deportation can
result in their children being unable to access necessary health care,
education, and the protection of basic human rights.
Migration and deportation proceedings often separate
children from their parents when their parents are taken into custody for
deportation or removal. Sometimes State migration laws can even result in the
permanent forced separation of migrant children from their parents. Children of
migrants have a right to the preservation of their families. Immigration laws
and policies need to consider the best interest of children in dealing with
migrant parents.
We are also concerned for children of migrants who are
brought by their parents to a new country at a young age. They grow up in their
country of destination, and yet face deportation to the country of origin.
As adults, these migrant children may face forced removal to a country they
have never known. These migrant children bear no responsibility for
immigrating, and should not be punished by removal to a country they do not
know. These children of migrants deserve a path to lawful residence.
We believe there is the Light of God in everyone. This Light should be recognized in these
migrant families and encouraged in those who form and implement these
immigration policies.
Thank you Scott for this witness!
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