Immigrant and Refugee Support Group

Immigrant and Refugee Support Group

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35

Whom do we serve?

• New Hampshire immigrants and refugees in crisis
• New Hampshire residents who want to welcome and open doors for immigrants and refugees
• Anyone seeking a better understanding of immigrant and refugee issues

Immigrant and refugee concerns

• Legal issues
• Lack of information about U.S. laws
• Vulnerability to detention or deportation
• Racial/ethnic profiling or discrimination
• Accessing support during detention
• Isolation from family and friends during detention
• Separation trauma for parents and children
• Accessing financial support to cover any requiredbond to achieve freedom from detention
• Loss of family income following deportation
• Anti-immigrant legislation

What we do?

• Support immigrants and refugees in our community
• Provide opportunities for immigrant stories
• Educate congregations and others
• Advocate for legislation supporting immigrants
• Seek short-term and long-term host homes for asylum-seekers released from detention
• Connect immigrants with legal assistance
• Provide volunteer support services
• Provide detention and post detention support and visitation
• Raise funds to bond eligible immigrants out of detention

How can you help?

• Welcome immigrants and refugees in your community
• Learn from immigrant neighbors and correct misinformation about them
• Advocate for immigrant-friendly legislation
• Gain an understanding of the many causes of migration
• Volunteer with an immigrant support group
• Donate to the Immigrant & Refugee Support Group’s Immigrant Bond and Support Fund

Your tax-deductible gift of any size will make a difference!

Look for “Immigrant Bond and Support Fund”

You can also make checks payable to NHCUCC and write IRSG (Immigrant & Refugee Support Group) Immigrant Bond and Support in the memo line.

Welcome the Stranger

March 2020:The NHCUCC Immigrant and Refugee Support Group (IRSG) has recovered its first bail bond for a man from the Democratic Republic of Congo who spoke at the Conference Annual Meeting. He was awarded asylum and refugee status that includes a path to citizenship. He is getting his work authorization now that he has his driver’s license and a car. At his hearing, tears of joy welcomed the judge’s words, “Welcome to the United States of America.”  Proceedings can now start to reunite him with his family.