New Sanctuary Movement: Accompaniment
Like so many people in these unusual political times, I’ve been seeking ways to become involved in meaningful action beyond phone calls, emails, and rallies. In that search, I learned of the New Sanctuary Movement (NSM), a movement committed to immigrant justice, and a movement to which BZBI will be lending support. I recently signed up to be on an email list for “accompaniment” which is one of the volunteer activities with NSM. Accompaniment involves going with a group of people to support an undocumented immigrant when he or she has a court date. Thus far, I’ve been part of an accompaniment group twice. Each of the undocumented immigrants coming before the court spoke Spanish only. One had a DUI charge; the other was seeking asylum. Both had lawyers. Both appeared stressed and worried.
The accompaniment groups were small (3-7 people), with a Spanish-speaking coordinator. We began each court visit by standing in a circle as the coordinator said a prayer in Spanish. At least a few members of the accompaniment group spoke Spanish and could be more directly supportive than I could be. The best I could do was a handshake, gesture, or smile. We sat in the courtroom, and eventually each case was called. The judges in both cases were known by some members of the group to be sympathetic. Each case resolved that day without deportation but with future actions required and future court appointments. Throughout our time together, there was a feeling of warmth and caring among members of the group.
I was moved by the experience, but wondered whether my action was really helpful, especially given the language barrier. I thought about the rally on Independence Mall last winter when we stood together against hate following the desecration of our cemeteries and other anti-Semitic activity. I remembered how moved I was to be supported even in small numbers by the New Sanctuary Movement, by African-Americans, and by Muslims. I can think of accompaniment as a way to stand with immigrants who are fearful of deportation, and by my presence tell them that although I am not directly part of their community or their church, I stand with them, and I say that they belong in our city and in our country.
Tags: Immigration, New Sanctuary Movement, social action
