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Immigrant & Refugee Support Group
Mission
We envision a community that cares for all of its members and in which all migrants who seek safety and freedom from oppression and harm are welcomed to the United States – and to New Hampshire, if they choose – with dignity and compassion. We respect the personal power and agency of the immigrants in our midst as the decision makers in their own lives, and we understand our role as offering support and accompaniment whenever we are privileged to do so. We are guided by our faith and by love as we dedicate ourselves to the quest for justice and welcome for all.
Find the full IRSG Mission Statement here.
The IRSG is made up of volunteers from multiple congregations, and we welcome new members who want to share in our work. To inquire about joining the IRSG or to learn more, Contact irsg.nhcucc@gmail.com
DONATE to the NHCUCC/IRSG Immigrant Bond & Support Fund
Immigrant Bond & Support Fund
Since mid-2018, thanks to the support and vision of the NHCUCC leadership and generous donations from UCCers and allies, the NH Conference has maintained a non-lapsing IRSG Immigrant Bond & Support Fund in order help address some of the most urgent needs of our asylum-seeking neighbors. ALL donations make a difference!
This Fund enables the IRSG to:
Provide individuals detained in NH by ICE with Modest Jail Commissary Funds
Through their jail commissary accounts, those in ICE detention in Dover can purchase phone calls (their lifeline to the outside world!), basic personal care items, additional food or clothing or an extra blanket in order to make their life in detention a little more bearable. When adequate funds are available, the IRSG makes periodic $25 deposits on the jail commissary accounts of asylum-seekers with particularly pressing needs. These commissary deposits also carry the message, “Someone on the outside cares about you!” Even a small contribution can have a significant impact and can provide someone detained by ICE with a just a bit of dignity and hope.
Post bonds, when possible, for immigrants incarcerated by U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Immigration bonds can range from several thousand dollars to over $10,000, and bond money is always needed. In most instances, bonds the IRSG posts on behalf of asylum seekers are returned to the NHCUCC once all court obligations have been fulfilled (this may take several years). Therefore, over time, most bond payments ultimately will be re-deposited into the Immigrant Bond & Support Fund to assist other individuals.
Provide modest "Temporary Financial Assistance"
to those in our area who have been released from ICE detention while they struggle to attain an official “employment authorization” from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services/USCIS (something that can take well over a year!). While they are not permitted to secure employment, those who manage to attain release from ICE detention must depend on others for food and shelter (and more!). However, the modest temporary assistance the IRSG provides can cover the cost of some basic life essentials, such as a cell phone.
Provide assistance with legal fees, in special circumstances
for those detained by ICE or released on bond who may need urgent legal support as they face the threat of deportation. The IRSG is fortunate to have working relationships with some talented pro-bono or reduced-fee immigration attorneys.
The IRSG work encompasses:
• SUPPORT AND ACCOMPANIMENT for asylum-seekers in our midst, with a particular focus on those who have experienced or are currently experiencing ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detention.
•EDUCATION AND POLICY ADVOCACY regarding immigrant rights and immigration issues.
We believe we are called by our faith…
• to become more aware of the many challenges and injustices faced by our asylum-seeking and other migrant neighbors, and
• to reduce the injustice of immigrant detention right here in NH by supporting immigrants detained by ICE, promoting their release and providing support and accompaniment after their release.
We partner closely with the American Friends Service Committee-NH Program (AFSC-NH), and others, in our work because we know we are more effective together.
Why Do We Serve Our Immigrant Neighbors?
The Bible, in numerous places, commands that we support our immigrant neighbors.
“Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:1
“I was a stranger and you welcomed+ me… I was in prison, and you visited me” – Matthew 25:35-36
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” – Matthew 25:40
“Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.” – Romans 13:9-10