All We have is Each Other: Addressing the Harm Increased Immigration Enforcement Causes Our Communities

One year later and it is difficult to navigate the feelings of anger, disappointment, fear, and hope (rare) that our communities have endured this past year. As I think back on all that was done to us and how we, collectively, met this moment, I keep circling this truth: that all we have are our rights and each other.

Yes, it is is difficult to believe in a legal system, to push for justice and fairness in a time where that seems almost naive. But when we look back to see what stopped further harm and damage, next to the community care, is the legal fight and community of advocates who recognize the need to protect the rule of law, demand due process for all, and that the right policies and procedures be followed. Sometimes the victories that come with this feel tedious or small compared to the harm, but protecting our rights and advocating for the principles that this country is supposed to strive for, is what keeps a layer of protection between us and a group ready to run amok with unchecked power.

For those of us in the legal field, it is especially difficult to advocate for processes and ideals that seem to be crumbling. Yet, I am heartened by the words of Sherrilyn Iffil who reminded us this spring that we were living in a harvest before this, perhaps one we expected to last forever. But sometimes it’s our turn to sow, to do the work and fight for others so that they get to enjoy a harvest in the future–one better than we even experienced. That seems like a far away reality when compared to what is happening now, but if we stop fighting for our rights, then everything else is lost.

I recognize it is hard to be hopeful in the midst of fear and anger. Trust, I am angry. To see a small children used as bait, taken from his home, his classmates, and treated like a sub-human, I fear there is no coming back from that. I am angry at the continual harm the immigration system inflicts on our communities. The privatization of detention, cruelty at the border, the racism, the lack of humanity and lack of response. Not just this administration, but the system as a whole, for decades, has only focused on benefitted from us as workers, purposefully keeping us away from family, promising reform and providing it only in piecemeal.

I often think about how we got here, but I also like to think about the why. There are many, many factors, but one that feels urgent and that we can all address is the misinformation and conditioning that happens within our own families and communities. Many of our friends and families voted for this because they thought they would be the exception. Because they bought into the idea of good/bad immigrant narrative. They bought into the division that many agitators fomented between long-term immigrants and those newly arrived to the country. Coupled with a political party that reacted to slow to respond to our needs, and this is where we are. Angry, casting blame, feeling ashamed, unsure of next steps. So while I am angry, I also recognize that deepened a divide will only cause further harm. We have to address how and why we got to a place where folks believed propaganda vilifying their own communities.

So how do move forward, en la lucha, together? I don’t have the solutions, all I know is what I feel is right to do. And I know that taking big and small actions daily makes the difference in creating the community and country I want to live in.

First, I continue to support and protect the rule of law. This means informing my community of their rights, as often as I can. It also means pushing back against misinformation, online and in local community. Often I will see calls to action for things that sound good but may not be legally permissible and people become frustrated when nothing happens. The disengagement creates a vicious circle. To offset this, it’s important, for those of us that do understand how systems work/their limitations/power, that we speak clearly and correctly about policies and call out irresponsible leaders that share misinformation.

Second, I continue to care for community and encourage you to do more IRL, where the need is greatest. If supporting mutual aid feels too granola-y for you, make an effort to support immigrant owned businesses, donate to food drives, share (vetted) legal resources. Those aren’t big asks, but they make a big difference. Also, what is your local affinity bar association doing? There is work for them too. Beyond immigration, how are you creating solidarity with other vulnerable groups? How are you building bridges with communities who have felt the harm of systems for decades? That’s real & difficult work. Do it anyway.

Third, I continue to look for ways to bridge the divide. This is the hardest part. How can I look at anyone who voted for this the same? But recently, I’ve been putting pluralism into action by learning about what it means to coexist in mutual respect. And yes, I know, how can there be respect when you don’t think I should have rights? I’m not saying jump to have dialogue with the most extreme person you know. What I’m saying is that there is someone who didn’t think this would happen, who may feel shame or embarrassment, who is perhaps open to conversation. And while it would be so easy to say vete a lv, I recognize that if we don’t engage with them, the other side will; deepening the divide and causing further harm. You may think so what, but I think back to July when the org I work for was vandalized with a hate symbol. It was shocking to see it on the front door. When the person turned themselves in, I learned he not only lived in the community but was Latino, part of a family that are just like the ones we serve every day. He had been radicalized online, believing the worst of his community. There are hundreds of young people like him in the community and hundreds of thousands in the country–do we let them be enticed and programmed to hate who they are and in turn hate the rest of us and actively vote against us? Or do we do the hard work of bridging a divide?

If all we have is our rights and each other, then I know my answer.