Addressing the Crisis of Anti-Immigrant Sentiment in America

Published in the Daily Freeman, March 2, 2024

As the 2024 election looms, we are at a critical juncture, facing a surge in anti-immigrant sentiment that threatens the very essence of our society and the very core of our humanity. This surge has fostered an environment of hostility and fear for migrants, turning our borders into barriers of despair rather than gateways of hope.

The recent heart-wrenching drowning of a mother and her children in the Rio Grande while border agents stood idly by, epitomize the callousness defining our approach to immigration.

At the heart of this crisis lies the longstanding failure of Congress to implement a humane and just immigration policy. Instead of upholding our shared humanity and honoring international laws, elected representatives exploit vulnerable migrants as pawns in their political power struggles. This neglect has allowed hateful and deceptive rhetoric to dominate the discourse, painting migrants as threats to society.

However, reality starkly contrasts with these fear-based portrayals. The percentage of criminals among migrants is significantly lower than that of the general population. Moreover, history has demonstrated that immigrants, when integrated and established, enrich society culturally and economically. Diversity is not a treat but a treasure.

Photo of Father Frank Alagna speaking (with microphone) at a rally in support of Dreamers.

Father Frank Alagna at a Kingston rally in support of Dreamers.

Impossible choices

Migrants are desperate individuals fleeing life-threatening situations, seeking safety and the opportunity for a better life, escaping violence, persecution, economic hardship, and other dire circumstances, and enduring perilous journeys. Anyone of us would make the same choices for themselves and their families if faced with similar exigencies.

When migrants reach our borders, they are confronted with impossible choices: risk illegal crossings or subject themselves to inhumane conditions in dangerous holding pens on the other side. We must reject the narrative of fear and embrace radical hospitality, welcoming those in need and providing the support and resources necessary for their well-being and integration.

We have the means to do so, but the will to do what is right and just eludes us, overshadowed by the specter of white supremacy, racism, fascism, and uber-nationalism. It is time for this nation to assert values of empathy and solidarity, to recognize the humanity in every migrant, and to craft and embrace long-overdue comprehensive immigration reform that reflects a genuine commitment to justice and compassion.

Ulster County: A More Compassionate Response

Amidst the tide of anti-immigrant sentiment, Ulster County has been offering a different response than its neighbors. Following the 2016 election, when fears of heightened immigration enforcement were rampant, Kingston’s clergy urged the Common Council to declare Kingston a Sanctuary City. This plea was met in January 2017 with a memorializing resolution affirming that local law enforcement would not collaborate with ICE.

In February 2017, the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network (UIDN) emerged as a community’s response of support and solidarity. Places of worship opened their doors as sanctuaries, safe houses were identified, and rapid response teams were assembled to safeguard the rights of those targeted by ICE. Volunteers from diverse backgrounds mobilized to provide crucial assistance to families facing deportation.

As asylum seekers began arriving in 2019, UIDN partnered with Catholic Charities extending a warm embrace and essential aid. These newcomers, arriving with minimal possessions, face formidable obstacles in securing necessities like food and shelter. With their ability to work pending court proceedings—sometimes delayed for up to a year—they depend on community support.

UIDN operates a weekly food, clothing, health supplies, and household essentials distribution program at Holy Cross/Santa Cruz Episcopal Church in Kingston. It assists with rent and utilities support; transportation to essential services, ICE check-ins, and court appointments; and funds legal consultation. UIDN also assists in navigating education, healthcare, and social services. In 2023 alone, UIDN assisted 779 families.

Collaborative Efforts

UIDN has collaborated with advocacy groups such as For the Many and The Workers Justice Center on initiatives like the Green Light Campaign, enabling undocumented individuals to obtain driver’s licenses. UIDN continues to advocate for passage of the Unemployment Bridge Program, a bill that would make undocumented immigrants and other independent contractors eligible for unemployment insurance. During the pandemic, UIDN partnered with the county to organize vaccination clinics. In collaboration with the Institute for Family Health and Health Alliance Hospitals, strides are being made to ensure language justice in healthcare settings.

Local leaders, including the county executive, sheriff, mayor, local law enforcement, and state representatives have been supportive, demonstrating the effectiveness of local initiatives despite federal inertia and dysfunction.

The diversity among asylum seekers is profound, encompassing trafficked youth from Nepal, victims of deadly homophobic legislation in Uganda, individuals fleeing economic hardship in Senegal, and many more from Central and South America. An increasing number of indigenous people from northern Guatemala are being welcomed. These Kekchi-speaking persons often speak neither Spanish nor English, present additional challenges. However, our experience demonstrates that if love remains the primary language with which we communicate, the future holds promise. While the journey remains challenging, our 160 volunteers would affirm that the effort is undeniably worthwhile.

The Reverend Frank Alagna is president of the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network’s board of directors.