Help Free Migration Project Fight for Human Rights
As Free Migration Project nears the end of its first full year, the challenges facing immigrant communities have never been greater. In 2017, Free Migration Project provided legal representation to immigrants fighting deportation, engaged Philadelphia City Council to support immigrant workers, continued fighting to close the Berks family prison, and challenged a pernicious interpretation of asylum law in federal appeals court. Through its work, Free Migration Project continues to push for recognition of migration as a basic human right. On this Giving Tuesday, I hope you’ll consider contributing to support our work.
Please support Free Migration Project’s work this Giving Tuesday.
In collaboration with organizers, advocates, and students at Temple Law School, Free Migration Project worked with local restaurant owners and chefs Cristina Martinez and Ben Miller to support a resolution in Philadelphia City Council recognizing the right of all Philadelphians to earn a living regardless of immigration status. The resolution passed in April.
Free Migration Project is a member of the Shut Down Berks Coalition, which is working to close the Berks family prison outside of Reading, Pennsylvania. This fall, the coalition collaborated with artist Michelle Angela Ortiz through her project “Seguimos Caminando” to bring attention to the families currently incarcerated at the Berks prison and demand that Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf honor the state’s obligation to protect all children within the state.
Free Migration Project currently provides direct legal representation to over 100 immigrant clients in deportation defense, citizenship, humanitarian, and family reunification cases. One of our clients, “Elizabeth,” is currently fighting her deportation in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. With the support of pro bono counsel and a group of advocacy organizations, Elizabeth and Free Migration Project are challenging a critical element of asylum law that has resulted in thousands of wrongful deportations over the past several years. Free Migration Project is also providing legal support to Edith, who remains in sanctuary in Ohio while she fights to stay with her family in the U.S.
Throughout 2017, Free Migration Project has also organized events to inform the public about certain basic human rights that all people possess regardless of citizenship or immigration status: the right to migrate, the right to remain, and the right to full economic, political, and social inclusion.
Free Migration Project depends on your support to continue our work. This Giving Tuesday, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to enable us to continue fighting for human rights.
Thank you!
Dave Bennion
Executive Director