Protection pledged to immigrant communities

Vowing to do all in their power to protect against the terror of mass deportations and family separation promised by Trump, immigrant and community groups were joined at a Capitol press conference by Attorney General William Tong and other elected officials.

“It is the policy and it is the law of the state of Connecticut to respect, honor and protect immigrants and immigrant families here in Connecticut. Full stop,” said Tong. The Trust Act passed by the General Assembly in 2019 prohibits federal immigration officials from commandering state law enforcement to cooperate. .New Haven is among Connecticut towns with policies preventing government officials from cooperation with ICE.

Immigrant and refugee communities are overcoming fear with solidarity and plans to protect families and children as best they can. In 2007 when the City of New Haven was the first municipality in the country to adopt a resident card available regardless of citizenship status, ICE retaliated with cruel raids.

Among the organizations preparing rapid response metods are the National Immigration Law Center, (NILC), Students for a Dream, and local allies including the ACLU. “If the Administration comes for immigrants in our beloved community, “I will do everything to protect,” said Kica Matos director of NILC who lives in New Haven and is raising funds to dramatically expand their team of lawyers.

Also at stake are the living conditions for youth whose deferred action (DACA) status is threateneed and whose health care (Husky for Immigrants) is covered up to the age of 15. Trump has threatened to cut funding from states that did not support him.

In a statewide zoom call the ACLU discussed how they are preparing to respond to the needs of the immigrant community as well as all those targeted including the lgbtq community and communities of color, with legal aid and know your rights resources. At a rally of 1,000 called by West Hartford Pride, fears were high for possible loss of funding for healthcare, housing and other supports.

Resistance, solidarity and a vision of equality will frame this year's People's World Amistad Awards to be held on December 14 at 4 pm tat Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School in New haven around the theme around the theme “We who believe in freedom will not rest until it's won.”