Over the course of six weeks, the United States government has separated nearly 2,000 children from their parents.
The heartbreaking increase in separations stems from the Trump administration's decision to double down on its immigration policies and follow a "zero-tolerance" protocol. As a result, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement now arrests immigrants, including refugees seeking asylum, who cross the border. Detained parents are separated from their children, who are sent to shelters.
SEE ALSO:How to stop feeling helpless when you hear about immigrant children taken from their parentsIf you're looking for ways to support the hundreds of immigrants being detained and help reunite separated parents with their children, consider donating to these seven organizations.
1. RAICES
TheRefugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES) is a Texas-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing immigrant families and refugees with affordable legal assistance. You can volunteer to work with the organization or donate money to support its team of 130 attorneys and staff members.
2. ACLU
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a nonprofit that defends immigrants' rights. The organization is addressing ICE and border patrol abuse, immigration policies, and more, along with educating the nation on how to uphold the Constitution. You can donate to help the ACLU's efforts here.
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3. Young Center For Immigrant Children's Rights
The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights advocates for the safety and well-being of unaccompanied kids arriving in the United States. The organization works to protect children from harsh immigration laws and recently announced a project specifically dedicated to helping children separated from their parents at the border. You can learn more about the program's efforts and how to donate here.
4. Border Angels
Border Angels is a California-based volunteer organization. Its primary efforts focus on tackling immigration reform and promoting social justice at the US-Mexican border. Donations are used to fund educational programs, free immigration services, and events to support those in need.
5. Kids In Need of Defense
Kids In Need of Defense (KIND) defends the rights of unaccompanied immigrant or refugee children and ensures they can not appear in court without "high quality legal representation." Find out more about the organization here, along with ways to get involved and donate.
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6. Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project
The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) represents families crossing the border and connects them with support systems they wouldn't normally be able to access. The organization also works to prevent wrongful deportations from the United States and provides legal and emergency services. To learn more check out the project's website.
7. Donate via ActBlue
Can't decide which organization to donate to? Why not choose eight? ActBlue provides a simple and convenient way for people to distribute a single donation to eight different charities in need. Using this link you can help kids being separated from their families at the border by donating to We Belong Together, United We Dream, Women's Refugee Commission, ACLU, Kids In Need of Defense (KIND), Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project, Human Rights First, and La Union del Pueblo Entero.
Other ways to get involved
Donating money to organizations is a simple and impactful way to make a difference, but if you're looking to do more, here are some other steps you can take.
Protest and raise awareness
Protest current immigration policies and government actions at the border by attending or hosting events. Keep raising awareness by sharing information and updates with others and taking part in the online conversation.
Families Belong Together, a coalition opposing the separation of families at the border, organizes a series of rallies and events all across the country. To find an event near you simply type in your state or zip code here.
RAICES also offers an online toolkit to help inform people about family separation. It provides guidelines on how to organize and attend community events so you can show up and raise awareness.
Offer your translation assistance or legal services
Organizations helping immigrants detained at the border are also in need of volunteers with special skills. If you're able to translate between parties consider working with charities and individuals in need of such assistance, and if you specialize in immigration law consider volunteering with (and donating to) organizations that provide legal support.
Here are a few to check out:
American Immigration Lawyers Association
Human Rights First
The Legal Aid Justice Center
Together Rising
Texas Civil Rights Project
Al Otro Lado
The Florence Project
International Refugee Assistance Project
Call your elected officials
Finally, reach out to your elected officials and state representatives to discuss current immigration laws, voice your concerns, and urge them to support bills — such as the HELP Separated Children Act and the Keep Families Together Act— that could put a stop to the separation.
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Don't be afraid to make some noise and apply pressure needed to force change. Not sure who to call or what contact information to use? Check out this helpful list.
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