The Immigrant Justice Landscape and Resources

Here in Washington, we know we all belong. We also know that it’s hard to know where to start getting involved with immigrant justice, especially when safety in immigrant and Jewish communities is so important.  

We engage vetted, trusted volunteers and build community power with them and others. We all can work together to respond to federal attacks– and build connections knowing we’re not alone in responding. Resistance is powered by community. 

Defending our immigrant neighbors isn’t just directly facing off with ICE. As allies, we can all do our own risk assessments to see how we mobilize and remain brave even in the discomfort of protest. As we’ve been learning while training to prepare for ICE escalation here, noncompliance and protest can take many forms. There’s an action for everybody, and when we work together, those individual actions become community power – and hugely impactful. 

We invite you to join the Jewish Coalition and walk side-by-side with immigrant communities as they face an unjust system. Taking action will require us to be creative, brave, and willing.We believe we’re strongest and safest when we join together with others to protect our neighbors and loved ones, our freedoms, our communities, and our ability to have a say over the decisions that affect our lives.

  • Jews are commanded 36 times to “Welcome the stranger” in the Torah alone. Volunteering in solidarity with our community is an opportunity to welcome people treated as “strangers” by many -- people who are in fact navigating strange systems. As important as it is to lend our time and support as allies, it is even more important HOW we engage in this work.

    We believe that supporting our immigrant community members is sacred work. Create a sense of “welcome” by keeping these traditional Jewish values in mind as you engage in immigrant justice work:

    • Kavod: Be mindful of the dignity of our community members, and of your own dignity.

    • Chesed: Act with loving kindness and solidarity, knowing that we’re standing with those who are vulnerable, especially as we have historically been and presently may feel vulnerable, too.

    • Emunah: Be dependable and trustworthy. Do your best to see that human rights are respected.

    • Tikvah: Bring your joy and hope to this work, and into your interactions with community members.

  • JCIJ dispatches Accompaniment Volunteers to provide support to immigrant community members in King and Pierce Counties to immigration court, ICE check ins, USCIS biometrics appointments, bond people out of detention, medical appointments, and more.

    Do you know someone who wants to be accompanied to their immigration appointment or hearing?

    • If you’re an individual: Community members can call the WAISN Hotline 1-844-724-3737 (Monday-Friday; 6am-6pm) and ask for accompaniment.

    • If you’re with an organization: Fill out an Accompaniment Request Form at tinyurl.com/jcijaccompany.

    • Find printable accompaniment flyers in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Lingala at tinyurl.com/flyersjcij.

    Do you know someone who has been detained or needs an immigration lawyer?

  • The Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice’s work includes advocacy at local, state, and federal levels; accompaniment to high-stakes immigration appointments; and community building to mobilize faith communities and individuals to take action and walk side-by-side with impacted communities. 

    JCIJ’s impact is thanks to the commitment of tireless volunteers and community members. We welcome you to our movement for immigrant justice! With JCIJ, you can volunteer to:

    • Build power in our communities: Work with our volunteer teams to engage new action takers with immigrant justice. We’re looking for folks who are comfortable leading or educating groups!

    • Walk side-by-side with community members: Volunteer with JCIJ or partner programs including accompaniment, court observation, family support, and more.

    • Advocate for immigrant justice: Join our Advocacy Committee to support legislative change; show up to defend immigrant rights at vigils and rallies; and learn about the current administration’s attacks on immigration and the realities on the ground for vulnerable and impacted communities.

    • Grow JCIJ’s capacity to respond: Support JCIJ’s impact by volunteering at community-building, fundraising, or educational events.  

    Because JCIJ handles highly sensitive information for people currently navigating the immigration system, we invite all interested volunteers to our introductory training, building community connections while getting to know JCIJ and each other. Fill out the form below to receive the introductory training registration!

    Interested in starting an immigrant justice team or hosting an immigrant justice learning opportunity in your community? Reach out to our team at team@jewishcoalition.org to get started!

Show up as an active ally 

JCIJ works closely with social justice organizations in the area and in our coalition, Washington for All, which activate multifaith allies and offer direct services to immigrant communities. Find out more about ways to mobilize and respond for immigrant justice below!