Over the years, in reviewing history, I have reflected on the immigration patterns from India. There were essentially 3 waves of migration. During colonial times, Indians were transported to European colonies as plantation workers, this indentured servitude was abolished in 1917. The second wave of immigration, shortly thereafter, transformed into semi-skilled and skilled laborers choosing to venture out to other countries, to seek better work opportunities and an improved lifestyle. The third wave is famously called the “ brain drain”, where specialized/educated and skilled individuals migrated out. This wave continues to this present day. 

One of the primary reasons people make a choice to leave India, the motherland, is for “a better life. In my younger years, some of my aunts and uncles who left India shared their reasons when they returned to India on their visits. It was not enough to just survive, they wanted to excel in their endeavors and be valued for being unique. They made that choice.

When it came to my turn to plan my future, I was enthusiastic and undaunted at the prospect of traveling across the seas to further my education and reap its benefits in “the land of opportunity.” Just like the creatures of the sea that migrate to spawn and fowls of the air that migrate to survive in warmer conditions, we the citizens of the world have those survival instincts. We should have the freedom to follow our instincts and accommodate others to exercise the same without exploitation and oppression. 


 
Grace Dah is a laywoman from St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in Stockton and is a member of the EDSJ Immigration Commission (SJRAISE).
Biden's First Year:
A Recap on Immigration, Refugees & Asylum Seekers

Over 100 Orgs to Biden: Redress Harms of Muslim & African Bans
A letter signed by 108 organizations, including many IIC partners, was delivered to the White House urging the Biden administration to provide relief to those harmed by the Muslim and African Bans. 

One Year into Biden Admin, Advocates Grieve Broken Promises
People of faith expressed deep disappointment in Pres. Biden for breaking his early promises to restore asylum and phase out private detention. In a letter, 900 faith leaders and religious and immigrant rights groups urged the administration to invest in alternatives to detention and restore access to asylum. 

DHS Betrays Commitment to Disentangle Local Policing from ICE
DHS Sec. Mayorkas called on local law enforcement to assist DHS in the enforcement of federal immigration law, betraying Biden’s commitments to disentangle the two entities. Advocates urge DHS to put an end to these agreements that lead to racial profiling.

Information provided by the Interfaith Immigration Coalition
Calls to Action, Training and Resources

Participate in HIAS' Refugee Shabbat, Mar. 4-5
Register today to participate in Refugee Shabbat 2022, which will be a moment for congregations, organizations, and individuals around the world to dedicate a Shabbat experience to refugees and asylum seekers.


SAVE THE DATE! 
Immigrant Day of Action 2022
- April 26 -
the largest advocacy effort in the state for immigrant rights organized by the California Immigrant Policy Center. It remains to be seen whether it will be an in-person or virtual event. Stay tuned!

Donations needed for International Rescue Committee

How you can help
 
As we prepare to serve a larger number of refugees, asylees and other special immigrants in the Central Valley, there are many ways that you can provide support:
 
  • Donate Household Items: As new families and individuals arrive, they will need household furnishings such as furniture (particularly couches and dining sets that are in good condition), new bath and bedding items, and kitchen supplies. A list of our general donations needs is attached. Feel free to respond to this email or contact us by phone at 209-272-0751 if you wish to donate any of these items.
 
  • Provide Gift Cards: We have a huge need right now for gift cards from Target or Walmart. These donations are incredibly empowering because they give people the power to choose what clothing and household items they want to buy, a luxury that was not available to them while living in refugee camps. Gift cards from Target or Walmart can be sent to the following address:

International Rescue Committee
3446 N. Golden State Blvd., Ste. A
Turlock, CA 95382
Attn: Jonathan Partridge
You can also purchase Visa gift cards through Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/IZ54FT2R92TL/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2?_encoding=UTF8&type=wishlist
 
  • Volunteer: As more people arrive, we will need volunteers to help with virtual English language classes, job placement, and donation transportation. We will also likely need help transporting individuals and families to appointments once it becomes safe to do so. In addition, we will be looking for small groups who are interested in furnishing homes. More information on volunteer and internship opportunities can be found at the following link: https://www.rescue.org/volunteer-opportunities/turlock-ca
 



Wrapped in Love

If you are a quilter and would like to contribute to the Wrapped in Love project, or if you would like to provide financial assistance for mailing and supplies, please contact Pastor Julie at: pastorjuliekelly@gmail.com.

To view the video of the blessing of the blankets and hear from Pastor Julie and quilter, Jean Wright, click here
Check out Episcopal Migration Ministries new podcast:
Repairing the Breach: Building the Beloved Community Through Welcome
You can listen here!

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The Immigration Services Directory, which provides a list of nonprofit community organizations that offer a broad range of immigration-related services in the Central Valley can be found here

Prayers of the People for use in Ordinary Time

SJRAISE Petitions for Prayers of the People

First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of the Lord
O God, make known your light and glory by in us by a deeper conviction that we are all your children precious and beloved, beyond any borders or divisions.

Second Sunday after the Epiphany
O God, make known your light and glory by our gratitude for all immigrant farm workers who raise our food.

Third Sunday after the Epiphany
O God, make known your light and glory our appreciation for immigrant service workers who make possible our common life.

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
O God, make known your light and glory by our thankfulness for all immigrant domestic workers who contribute to the well-being of our homes and households.

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
O God, make known your light and glory in a reformed and more compassionate attitude towards those who seek a better home in country.

Last Sunday after the Epiphany
O God, make known your light and glory and reveal the face of your Son in all those considered aliens and yet instrumental to our nation’s well-being.


written by Rev. Luis Rodriguez, St Paul's Bakersfield

Prayer in a time of pandemic​
Loving God, throughout the Scriptures you call us to “Fear not!”, but these are troubling times for the hardiest souls. Give us courage to face the challenges of this new threat to your human family. Give us prudence, to do the necessary things to protect ourselves and others. Give us the clarity of vision to learn from this disease the lesson we are too prone to forget, that we are all connected, regardless of race or nationality or political persuasion. We pray for those who are struggling with this disease, that their health may be restored. We pray for medical personnel and first responders caring for those in need, that they remain healthy and unflagging in their life-saving work. And we pray for all those economically impacted, that they may find the resources to maintain themselves and their families.  We ask all this, trusting in your abiding love, a love that even death cannot defeat. Amen.

Written by Deacon Tom Hampson, St John's Lodi
 


Special Prayers for Immigrants During COVID-19

Oh Lord; in this time of Covid-19 as we take shelter in our homes, we ask you to spread your love and healing over our brothers and sisters held in overcrowded detention centers and refugee camps. 
We ask Lord that you may soften the hearts of those in authority, that them may care for our sisters and brothers in this time of crises.

We ask this in Jesus’s name. Amen

SJRAISE YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAJZiw1OpUAMshz5jbdxa2A
Wrapped in Love blankets blessed by
Bp. David

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Faith in the Valley

Artisans Beyond Borders

Undocumented Migration Project
https://www.undocumentedmigrationproject.org

International Rescue Committee
https://www.rescue.org/

HOPE CAN'T BE QUARANTINED
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS) has developed a toolkit for supporting immigrants currently in detention.

Council on American-Islamic Relations