Immigrant Day at State House, Amidst Quite a Week

Donna Stiglmeier, Director of Casserly House

On March 19^th, the Feast of Saint Joseph, along with other interfaith religious leaders who gathered for prayer at the Episcopal Cathedral, I joined hundreds more at the State House for MIRA Coalition’s “Immigrant Day!”  We were building community, supporting each other, while advocating for the Safe Communities Act and the Immigrant Legal Defense Fund.  I told a legislative aide about a nearby coffee shop manager and neighbor who told me how their sales have plummeted as their immigrant customers do not leave their homes unnecessarily for a cup of coffee.  Someone else in our group expressed how churches, once full in early January, are now half full, at best.  Another expressed the mental health concerns that emerge from living with such fear day after day. The legislative aides indicated that they do not know if the State budget can include an earmark for Casserly House (and other non-profit organizations) going forward, even though the need is greater now than ever, due to the national situation. For more coverage of this very spirited and powerful event, visit and MIRA Coalition for more information.

This event was amidst a week of the following:

* A Casserly House ESOL adult learner, who no longer could afford rent, had to move because his work visa expired even though his employer was so impressed with his work and promoted him.  He was let go…his employer was afraid too.

* A former Casserly House adult learner’s twin sister in Haiti died, and he cannot go to be with family, because he may not be let back into the US.  He emailed to ask for prayers (the request being forwarded to the CSJ prayer request!)

* A Casserly House immigrant neighbor was subject to further domestic violence as she returned to her abuser because of her immigration status.  We are trying to connect her to affordable legal counsel.

* An aunt of two adult learners called Casserly House, saying that her family members are on their way to class.  She tells me that as she looks out the window and sees them waiting for the bus, she fears for their safety.  Other organizations who do online ESOL were suggested, but her two family members still come as they are committed to learning.  When the English level is relatively low, online learning is very hard.   Also, gatherings are very important and treasured.  So many, as you know, especially the Haitians, are in fear of losing their Temporary Protected Status (TPS)… and still they come to ESOL classes at Casserly House, fewer in number understandably (like across all ESOL programs now).  Their courage is amazing.

* March 20th, having received an emergency call from a community partner about ICE presence in Roslindale, I offered her an impromptu training via phone, walked over Know Your Rights flyers and red cards to her so hundreds of her neighbors might be more prepared.  VERY SCARY!  I am heartened that 120 people gathered for two Know Your Rights Workshops in Roslindale February 27 and March 3.

* I am heartened that RISE, Roslindale IS for Everyone, is forming (again! Active in 2016-2020).  They are the folks who initiated the calls about ICE presence in Roslindale and stood watch during the KYR workshops weeks ago, literally having the immigrants’ backs.

* I am also heartened by the great news of an immigrant neighborhood family who had two sons accepted to their schools of choice to further their education, so important for this family and the immigrant community!

We are buckling up for this roller coaster ride that is Casserly House during this immigration crisis.  Please keep our immigrant neighborhood families and adult learners in your thoughts and prayers.

After a beautiful prayer service at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, interfaith religious leaders marched in song and with signs to the State House for the speaking program, then visits to State Legislators.  After stopping by Senator Rush’s office, I joined a group to Representative Consalvo’s office.