How You Can Help Refugees and Immigrants

 Ok, some crazy things happened this weekend that I could not ignore. The government banning immigrants and refugees with green cards and valid visas is not acceptable. As American citizens, we are gifted with the liberty to participate in government. Right now I believe it is vital for us to get involved and make some noise for the people who are not able to stand up for themselves. The United States is a country founded on immigrants. If you look at history, each new wave of immigrant people was disliked to some extent (think brawling Irish, filthy Italians). But after a generation we all become Americans. It's part of what makes the United States so awesome. Below are five different organizations that stand up for immigrant rights that you can get involved with.

For Immigrant Rights and Assistance:

1. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) works to defend and preserve the rights and liberties guaranteed by the United States Constitution. 
2. American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) promotes peace and justice for a variety of causes including immigrant and refugee rights.
3. National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (NNIRR) works to expand and defend the rights of immigrants.
4. The Young Center works specifically on behalf of immigrant children's rights.
5. Amnesty International is a global human rights organization which educates and gives clear plans to activism for a variety of causes including refugee rights.

Other things you can do:

• Make your voice heard: letters and phone calls make a difference. Let the president know what you want. Let your state senators and representatives know what you want. I'm writing a letter to the white house asking President Trump to lift the immigration ban. You can too. 

President Trump

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Ave

Washington D.C.

20500

For my fellow Pennsylvanians, Pat Toomey and Bob Casey are our senators.
Email Pat Toomey here.
Email Bob Casey here.

Here is the list of Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Write to your district representative voicing concerns.

• Petition: Sign this petition mandating congress to help refugees.

• Join the Community: Attend (or organize your own) protest or rally. Share the videos on social media. Let immigrants know they are not alone. 

• Donate: Donate money or supplies to organizations that fight for immigrant rights. Even $5 makes a difference.

Each one of these actions is just a drop in the bucket. There are thousands of other people putting their drops in as well. Taking action is so important. 

 Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door. 

Lady Liberty