Join us in the struggle against immigration detention and deportation. We ask that those who come to work with us as members, Friends, volunteers, allies, leaders, or partners adhere to Core Rules:

• No judgment: We oppose immigration detention and deportation for every human being, regardless of their personal or legal history. We do not shame, dehumanize, discourage, or diminish people for their past choices. Each person comes to New Sanctuary Coalition (NSC) with their own stories and circumstances, and we welcome all who are willing to stand in opposition to the detention and deportation machine.
• Respect: Practice kindness and compassion towards all, acknowledging everyone’s right to dignity. Treat each person as you would wish to be treated. Recognize that each human being is of equal value, with thoughts and feelings that deserve due consideration.  
• Do no harm: As we stand in opposition to the perpetrators and backers of immigration detention and deportation, we must be careful not to jeopardize the legal standing or well-being of those most affected by the oppression of the system. We work directly with Friends in pursuit of asylum and other legal liberties as well as health and career objectives. We must be careful that our tactics do not put them at risk.

There is a lot of work to do in correct the injustices faced by immigrants, our Friends. We ask that people be transparent about their boundaries. If you are uncomfortable or otherwise unable to carry out a request, or if you need space or rest, do not be afraid to let a New Sanctuary Coalition staff member or organizer know.

We recognize that systems of oppression are intersectional, and we see the struggle for immigrants’ rights and dignity as tied into the struggles against racism, classism, misogyny, trans/homophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and the prison-industrial complex. Moreover, we invite people who are privileged along these axes of oppression to deploy their privilege for the benefit of liberation work while taking care to observe the Core Rules of respect, no judgment, and do no harm.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED:

Jericho Walks

Through the Jericho Walk, faith leaders, immigration activists, and community members march in silence and pray outside 26 Federal Plaza in solidarity with individuals and families whose basic humanity is being denied by our unjust and immoral immigration system. Though we walk in silence, our actions speak to the injustices that our communities face.

SanctuaryHood

Join us as we canvass our neighborhoods and organize trainings to educate our neighbors and businesses on how to protect each other from ICE raids. Our neighborhoods must be prepared and educated on how to face these incursions.

We are currently working on rebuilding the following programs:

Accompaniment

The New Sanctuary Coalition accompaniment program recruits and trains volunteers to accompany people facing deportation to their immigration hearings and ICE check-ins. This provides moral support to the person facing deportation and enables volunteers to hold immigration authorities accountable. Standing in solidarity with migrants facing deportation also demonstrates to immigration judges, ICE officers, and government attorneys that there is a community mobilized against their deportation. NSC accompanies hundreds of people a year.

Pro Se Clinic

New Sanctuary Coalition runs clinics staffed by non-attorney volunteers and supervised by experienced immigrants rights organizers and immigration lawyers. You do not need prior experience to participate; we will train you. The clinic helps people identify ways to get relief from deportation and detention; access other immigration-related benefits; understand their rights so they can fight their own case; apply for asylum; prepare for court appearances or interviews; and much more. 

Rapid Response

As a U.S. citizen, you have the privilege to stand up for an immigrant community member. Make your neighborhood safer for vulnerable immigrants and community residents targeted by ICE. We are asking for your zip code for a rapid response, so we know who is in the neighborhoods that need immediate support.

Tasks include:

• Distributing NSC Rapid Response Network materials to residential areas and businesses

• Responding when we receive ICE alerts to confirm that they are in the area

• Forming relationships with houses of worship that may serve as temporary safe space