WHAT IS THE ACCOMPANIMENT PROGRAM
The news has been full of reports of individuals being arrested and sent to detention when they appear for their ICE check-ins and Immigration Court hearings. Immigrants are understandably anxious and frightened about going to these appointments.
Knowing this reality, we have revitalized IWC’s long-standing Accompaniment Program. We are receiving a steady flow of requests for volunteers to go with immigrants to these appointments.
The work of Accompaniment is, at its heart, about presence. The most important qualifications for accompanying someone are compassion and a willingness to walk alongside them in a difficult situation. Volunteers offer moral, emotional, and spiritual support to the person they are accompanying. We meet the person shortly before their appointment to speak with them, offer encouragement, and sometimes to pray. We wait with them until their appointment. In most cases, the volunteer is not allowed to enter the courtroom or the ICE office, so we wait for them until they are finished. When the person emerges from their appointment, we are there waiting, ready to speak with them and, if needed, help them to process the experience. We also are there to report to their family or friends or attorney if something happens or if the person is detained or arrested.
Volunteers also are witnesses. We observe what is going on. We help stories to be told. We quietly demonstrate to those who are part of immigration systems that there are members of our community who stand in solidarity with vulnerable immigrants.
GET INVOLVED
- Spread the word! Help us connect with people who need accompaniment. Referrals can be made to Katie Myers at chair@interfaithwelcomecoalition.org.
- Volunteer! Volunteers interested in the Accompaniment Program should contact Katie Myers at chair@interfaithwelcomecoalition.org.
- Availability: Daytime, weekdays (when hearings and appointments are scheduled)
- Language skills: Spanish or other languages are very helpful, but English-speaking volunteers can also form part of an accompaniment
READ STORIES ABOUT ACTUAL CLIENT/VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCES
H’s Story: An Immigration Hearing
K’s Story: An ICE Accompaniment
Minerva’s Story: A Volunteer’s Perspective
