Registration: https://edenucc.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/378429
Volunteer Interest Form: https://edenucc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/92580
Over 950 students currently enrolled in the Hayward Unified School District (HUSD) are seeking asylum in the United States. Approximately 200 are pursuing their cases without a parent present to help them. Many other unaccompanied immigrant youth and recently arrived families are also beginning the process for applying for asylum and similar adjustments of migratory status.
The thought of navigating our immigration legal system alone--even when one is a native English speaker--is daunting. Much more so for newcomers who are non-English speakers. While our first Accompaniment Network Training was focused on providing emergency housing, and our second was focused on school supports, our next training will focus on the legal aspects of accompaniment. This training is open to all.
Those currently accompanying or would like to accompany newcomers who are seeking asylum will learn more about their processes with 1) U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.); 2) the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP); and 3) San Francisco Immigration Court (three different agencies! It can get confusing!). While each legal case is different, we will explore with professionals forms and processes that are common to all. Some examples follow:
-How can my friend get her ankle monitor off?
-What is lodging an asylum petition and how is that different from filing? Why should asylum-seekers do this? How?
-How can my friends attain a Temporary Employment Authorization before their case is adjudicated?
Knowing more about what asylum-seekers have to go through in their legal cases will: create more understanding and empathy across the Accompaniment Network; allow one to be more informed for upcoming Court Accompaniment opportunities; allow one to better advocate in solidarity; and give more support and power to asylum-seekers. Thanks in advance for pre-registering!
This event is co-sponsored by Eden United Church of Christ (EUCC), the Eden Area Interfaith Council (EAIC), and the Southern Alameda County Unaccompanied Immigrant Youth & Children in Migrant Families Collaborative. The registration cost is underwritten by a grant from the San Francisco Foundation & the United Church of Christ Neighbors In Need Offering.