Several years ago, when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was running rampant, picking up undocumented persons (and citizens, it should be noted), a man who has lived in New Jersey for almost 20 years enrolled his US citizen so in New Jersey’s family care program. Little did he know that a state employee had called ICE advising them of the man’s immigration status.
Several weeks later as he was leaving his house with his wife who had complications from her C-section, that ICE was waiting for him. ICE refused to permit her to go the hospital until after her husband was “processed,” forcing her into the ER trauma section.
One in four residents in our state are immigrants, many “legal,” others undocumented. In 2021 state senators introduced The NJ Values Act (S512/A1986) prohibiting state employees from sharing confidential data with ICE except when criminal or abusive actions are involved. We should flood Craig Coughlin and Nick Scutari with phone calls to move this legislation, now stalled. Are we no better than the old Soviet model of ratting on parents? One would hope so.
Prayer for the Day
God mercy, we are hard pressed to loosen grips on self-preserving rules,
For we use your commandments to keep our differences defined;
God of hope, we struggle to be a compassionate people for we believe
That we have few sins as do those who live outside the laws we create.
God of compassion, forgive us the sins done in our name
And give us the strength to work for peace and reconciliation.
In the name of the One who welcomed all,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
New Jersey is a leader in expanding services for all immigrant communities. But now, we need to give children and families access to these [state] services without the fear of deportation.
- Awinna Martinez, New Jersey Policy Perspective
Whether it’s at schools, hospitals, or local government offices, no one should fear that routine interactions could result in detention, deportation or family separation.
- Ami Kachalia, NJ ACLU
The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.
Leviticus 19:34