On the day of his inauguration President Trump signed several executive orders including one that targeted non-governmental organizations providing any kind of aid to undocumented individuals.
Federal courts have ordered the Trump administration to resume funding for aid lawfully appropriated by Congress. Despite these orders the status of federal funding in D.C. remains chaotic and many organizations are hurting.
As we noted in an earlier post, the local group AJPR has issued a plea for financial help and volunteer services.
Meanwhile, in Central Texas other organizations that are still providing services may need financial aid and volunteers. Other ally groups in the Chicago area may need aid for their continuing work despite the Trump administration’s efforts to prevent the city from enforcing its sanctuary laws.
IN CENTRAL TEXAS:
This organization founded in the 1980s to assist refugees from a civil war in El Salvador does the following:
It welcomes displaced immigrants and promotes self-sufficiency by providing shelter and support services. Casa Marianella’s vision is to ensure safe housing and access to services for individuals and families escaping violence and needing to meet emergency and transitional needs.
Casa Marianella has helped refugees from at least 40 countries. It is the only homeless shelter in Austin dedicated to helping migrants and their families.
Among other services, does the following:
- Provides physical sanctuary for immigrants who are in danger and have exhausted all legal options to avoid deportation
- Provides assistance to emergency situations in the form of transportation, shelter and food.
*INTERFAITH FOR ACTION OF CENTRAL TEXAS
As described on their website:
Interfaith Action teaches English as a Second Language and cultural skills to newly-arrived refugees. We pride ourselves on making refugee families feel welcome and help them establish roots in their new hometown: Austin.
The word “refugee” is officially defined as someone who has fled their country because of a “well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.”
Over 1,000 refugees are legally resettled in Austin each year.
As described on their website:
Our volunteer network is made up of hundreds of highly skilled attorneys, doctors, counselors, and other professionals who donate their time and expertise to help us further our mission.
This talented group of professional volunteers at American Gateways significantly amplifies the impact of your donation.
From their website:
Since 1986, RAICES’ legal and social service providers have modeled what a humane immigration system could look like in the U.S.
We open over 10,000 cases each year. Without free and low cost legal services and access to holistic, trauma-informed care, most of our clients, including children of all ages, would have to go to court alone, with zero representation.
We fight in the courtroom, the halls of Congress, and alongside our community for a more just immigration system.
IN CHICAGOLAND:
Described on their website:
At TRP, we are working toward a future where all immigrants are liberated with equal opportunities to thrive, experience joy, and be celebrated in their full humanity.
TRP’s Immigrant Justice team has been at the forefront of strengthening the state’s immigrant justice ecosystem. From championing pro-immigrant campaigns to expanding empowerment programs and delivering direct legal services, TRP has become a vital force in building a more equitable future for immigrant communities.
As described on their website:
Creating opportunity for refugees fleeing war, terror, and persecution to build new lives of safety, dignity, and self-reliance.
We provide holistic services (housing support, English language training, mental health care, employment coaching, youth programs, dental care, and more – at no cost to program participants!) to help newcomers build flourishing lives in Chicago.
La FEDECMI** | Casas Michoacán es una organización comunitaria, centro cultural y educativo, que sirve a las poblaciones inmigrantes, indígenas e hispanoablantes cuyo objetivo es facilitar su integración en la cultura estadounidense a través de los siguientes programas
(Casas Michoacån is a cultural and educational center serving the immigrant, indigenous and spanish-speaking to ease their transition into U.S. society through a variety of programs focusing on medical, legal, mental health and public services needs).
**Federacion de Clubes Michoacanos en Illinois