We are in a pivotal moment for refugees and immigrants who have been waiting for their chance to resettle and rebuild their lives in the United States, as well as for those who have newly arrived, including children.
In the last week, a flurry of harmful executive actions on immigration have been carried out that are deeply distressing to us. Our Jewish values, passed down from generation to generation, guide us to welcome the stranger. As the only Jewish refugee resettlement organization in Washington State, JFS is compelled to respond. However, we are far from alone.
As the result of an Executive Order, refugee arrivals to the United States have been suspended for at least three months, leaving thousands of families in limbo, separated, and potentially in danger in their home countries. Travel has been canceled for 27 people who were prepared to come to the Puget Sound region to be resettled by JFS in February. An additional 109 individuals who JFS is scheduled to resettle in the coming weeks and months remain in limbo as their processing is indefinitely suspended.
A “Stop Work” order was also issued by the new administration last week that directs refugee resettlement agencies to pause resettlement work funded by federal dollars with individuals and families who are already here and who we help with housing, food, connection to medical care, enrollment in school, and more.
Among the refugees with whom we work, JFS supports Afghans who hold SIVs (Special Immigrant Visas). These are Afghans who worked with and supported the US government during the war. Sadly, all travel has been canceled by the US government for them as well; and the order to stop work includes work with Afghan SIVs.
JFS will do all we can to continue to support the refugees and immigrants who are here, to whom the US government promised support as they seek to rebuild their lives, and whose lives are being upended by the executive orders and policies.
We know that while refugees and immigrants are facing immense and immediate threats right now, there are and will be risks to the well-being, health, and stability of many of our clients and communities in the coming weeks, months, and years. We remain steadfast in our commitment to all of our clients.
For 133 years, JFS has stood as a beacon of hope, with the help of our community, supporting refugees and immigrants seeking to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. This mission remains unwavering.
This is a critical moment for action. We understand from devastating, first-hand experience the tragedy that occurs when citizens and nations turn a deaf ear and blind eye to those who are fleeing persecution, war, and terror.
Here’s what you can do:
- Donate. When you give, you allow us to continue our work with refugees and immigrants including unaccompanied children and Afghans who supported the US government during the war, helping them establish roots, find employment, access medical care, and enroll in school.
- Provide comfort. You can help newly arrived families with children feel comfortable and welcome by purchasing books, toys, and necessary household items from our wish list.
- Stay Informed and spread the word. Share this post and help your friends, family, and community understand what refugees and immigrants are facing in the Puget Sound. Sign-up for our emails to stay up to date on our work.
- Protect and prepare. JFS recently organized a “Know Your Rights” webinar to help all of us protect ourselves and our community members. Information and resources you can access and share, can be found here.
This work has always been a collective effort, powered by the compassion and dedication of people like you. The road ahead will be difficult, but our shared commitment to the well-being of refugees and immigrants, Jewish individuals and families, and all people will guide us.
Sorry, comments are closed for this post.