Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON)

Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) is a faith-driven ministry, welcoming immigrants into our churches and communities by providing free, high-quality immigration legal services, education and advocacy.

JFON client receiving citizenship papers.

Who Are Our Neighbors? A young couple fleeing the violence of political upheaval A father seeking to bring his wife and children out of a drought-stricken country A refugee family trying to reunite with a son left behind A woman whose husband is trying to secretly flee the U. S. with their children and all their funds A disillusioned man whose money has gone to pay for worthless legal advice from people ready to take advantage of immigrants An abused wife whose U. S. citizen husband refuses her access to their children and threatens her with deportation A couple trying to find a way to visit a dying father in their home country People who have been trafficked into the United States to work in slave-like environments

Free Immigration Legal Services, Education and Advocacy

The Justice for Our Neighbor Ministry (JFON) program initiated by the General Board of Global Ministries in 1999 has served thousands of immigrants throughout the United States. The United Methodist Community on Relief (UMCOR) sponsors the program with 20 clinic sites operating nationwide.

JFON was created as a response to the increasingly complex immigration regulations stemming from the Immigration Reform and Immigration Act of 1996. September 11th and the Patriot Act has exacerbated the situation, causing backlogs on new and existing applications and an increase in deportation orders.

What We Provide Justice for Our Neighbors centers provide immigration legal services to all nationalities and address a wide range of needs including: Family Petitions Adjustment of Status Naturalization Asylum Applications Representation in Immigration Court Religious Worker Visas Self-Petition under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) T-Visas for Victims of Trafficking Temporary Protected Status NACARA Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Advise and Counsel

SUPPORT THE IMMIGRANT

The history of immigration to the United States of America is, according to the claims of some, the history of the United States itself. As in many myths, the immigrant story has been exaggerated. Immigrants, including new colonists from before the establishment of the United States as a separate country, were never more than 15% of the population and usually considerably less.

Like never before, the plight of the immigrant is in the political spotlight. While our legislators continue to debate immigration policy and consider harsh penalties, 11 to 12 million immigrants amongst us live in fear of what tomorrow may bring.

The United Methodist Council of Bishops has issued many statements denouncing the treatment of the immigrant and urging congregations to lift up their voice in advocacy and provide ministry outreach.

The UMC Bishops felt compelled to participate in political demonstrations and marches on the capitol.

EDUCATION & ADVOCACY

The JFON network effectively provides outreach to the community as well as a strong forum for advocacy. JFON-West Michigan has responded to many requests from local congregations and community organizations to speak to their members and educate them on current political debates and pending legislation.

How Can I Help? The work of the clinic is dependant on contributions from individuals, churches and other interested groups and private/corporate foundations. Here are some of the ways in which you can help JFON: Support JFON West Michigan with a financial gift Pray for JFON West Michigan's work, clients, staff and volunteers Invite JFON West Michigan staff to give a presentation at your religious or civic organization Encourage your group to make a donation to JFON West Michigan Be an advocate for JFON West Michigan through recruitment, fundraising or program scheduling Study immigration issues and be an advocate for justice Volunteer at a clinic as a: translator, lawyer/paralegal, student iIntern, or hospitality worker, or intake worker

JFON RESPONSE

Our clients are served by a professional immigration attorney who remains with their case until relief is granted or all avenues are exhausted. Since opening our doors in 2004, we have served over 400 clients from 54 nations.

JFON-West Michigan is also preparing to respond to the tremendous need for legal services that will occur if Congress passes immigration reform that includes a guest worker visa.

The volunteers who work in the clinics hear the real life stories and see the moral issues of immigration in a much clearer light.

What is the need?

West Michigan continues to attract immigrants to its community at an increasing rate. The 2000 U. S. Census shows 38,154 foreign-born residents in Kent County, 21,381 who moved into the county between 1990 and 2000. Surrounding counties have experienced similar growth. Many of these persons experience problems with language, economic hardships, social adjustment, and understanding of immigration laws.

In 2003 members of the First United Methodist Church applied to the national Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) program to bring their professional expertise to West Michigan. The JFON organization supplies a service not available at most refugee service centers. JFON is able to provide professional legal counseling for immigration matters at no cost to the client.

The mission of Justice for Our Neighbors is two-fold:

•	Provide high-quality immigration legal services and a warm welcome to our community
•	Foster greater cross-cultural community building and deeper moral reflection about the justness of current U. S. immigration policies through education for mission and advocacy.

Links United Methodist Comission on Relief - JFON Site Community Information & Referral Church World Service - Immigration and Refugee Program

National Connection

Justice for Our Neighbors clinics are operating 18 clinics in 14 states across our nation. The clinics were established by the United Methodist Committee of Relief (UMCOR). Each clinic is staffed by volunteers and supervising immigration attorney. Our clinic is the first in Michigan.

Comprehensive Immigration Reform The immigration law really is what we as a country make it, and JFON West Michigan continues to hope for reform that would truly mean justice for our neighbors. Along with many other people of faith, we would like to see legislation that focuses on the following priorities: Increased participation in global anti-poverty programs Expanded opportunities to reunify families (right now the waiting list in certain categories, like brothers and sisters of U.S. Citizens, is ten to fifteen years) A temporary worker program with strong worker protections, visas for immediate family members, a path to permanent residence, and wages that don’t undercut those of U.S. workers (past and present guest worker programs have tied workers to a single employer and often resulted in isolation and abuses) Broad-based legalization (for people who are already our neighbors and who can establish good moral character and other equities) Restoration of due process (an end to the incarceration of asylum seekers and increased respect for civil liberties by immigration enforcement agencies) Congress is considering several proposals right now and if you are concerned about this issue, the time is right to contact your senators and representatives. The best way to reach them is through their websites: Sen. Carl Levin, http://levin.senate.gov Sen. Debbie Stabenow, http://stabenow.senate.gov Rep. Vern Ehlers, http://www.house.gov/ehlers Rep. Peter Hoekstra, http://hoekstra.house.gov

Contact: JFON 616-301-7461 Se Habla Español! Susan Reed, JFON Regional Attorney e-mail: SusanR at GrandRapidsFUMC.org
Regional Sites
Grand Rapids Laura Rampersad, Coordinator e-mail: rlrampersad@comcast.net First United Methodist Church 227 Fulton Street E Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 (616) 301-7461    fax (616) 451-4893	Holland Coordinators – Mary DeRidder & Sally Garrett First United Methodist Church 57 West 10th Holland, Michigan 49423 (616) 396-5595    fax (616) 396-4587
www.grandrapidsfumc.org/jfon.htm email: JFON@grandrapidsfumc.org