The offensive and threatening rhetoric against the immigrant community displayed during the recent presidential campaign has quickly materialized, beginning to spiral down the dangerous path of chaos and confusion.  The hopes and lives of immigrants throughout the nation have been shattered, and uncertainty has made way to fear, as the new administration moves quickly in upholding policies that negatively impact immigrants across the country.

Over the last two weeks, a series of executive actions were established, including orders on immigration such as, Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements (building a wall on the Southern border of the U.S.); Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States (defunding “Sanctuary Cities” making them ineligible for federal grants); Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States (banning nationals of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the country for the next 90 days, suspending the Syrian Refugee program indefinitely, and stopping the admission of all refugees for the next four months).

The Resurrection Project vehemently opposes the decisions made by the new government and believes that they will have dire consequences on immigrant families and entire communities across the city, and the country.  Far from bringing peace and hope, the new policies engulf chaos and despair, going against our very core values as a nation.  As Abraham Lincoln said, “Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves.”  How can we go on as a country, while our friends and fellow immigrants from different nationalities, walks of life, and religious backgrounds are being stripped away from the very same rights and privileges that we retain?

As the current events unfold, we applaud Mayor Emanuel on his firm decision to stand by our community, taking the appropriate measures to guarantee that Chicago remains a welcoming city, where freedom and respect for immigrants –no matter their origin – are still upheld.

The Resurrection Project’s staff is working tirelessly in coordination with community leaders, city, state, and federal elected officials to develop the support systems needed by the immigrant families affected by the recent executive orders. We will continue to create new programs and enhance existing ones in order to guarantee the information and resources that are vital for our immigrant community.

In just a few days, the new administration has implemented a shift on immigration that stands in opposition to the core values of America. In response, we need to stand up and make our voices heard loudly and clearly, showing who we truly are as a nation: a country that promotes freedom, tolerance, inclusion, and human dignity.  More than ever, The Resurrection Project will continue to protect the sacred values of our country, standing by our immigrant communities made up of multiple nations and diverse religions that coexist and abide by the principles of the welcoming land that has adopted them.

To learn more about our immigration services, visit www.resurrectionproject.org or contact our information hotline at 312-666-3062.

Donate today! 

Leer versión de Declaración en Español aquí….

###