ImMigrant Justice Bond fund

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The #1 factor in determining if an immigrant arrested by ICE will be deported or granted relief is if the person is able to POST BOND.

- Eastern Iowa Community Bond Project

Catalyzing Experience
In the spring of 2017, Episcopal City Mission was asked to stand with an undocumented leader of a partner organization at her yearly check in with ICE. As we accompanied this leader through the process, it became clear that accompaniment of all sorts was needed and that our unique relationships with both grassroots organizations and faith-rooted communities could be an asset to support those most directly impacted by the targeted attack on immigrants in Massachusetts.

Immigrants Are Part of Our Communities

According to a study by the American Immigration Council

  • 1 in 6 Massachusetts residents is foreign-born: 1.1 million people, or 16.5% percent of the population; another 1 in 7 are U.S.-born but have at least one foreign-born parent.

  • Half of our state’s immigrants and refugees have arrived since 2000 – and almost a quarter (24%) since 2010.

  • 28.5% of children in Massachusetts have at least one immigrant parent, and 80% of children of immigrants under 18 are U.S.-born.

  • More than 100,000 U.S. citizens in Massachusetts live with at least one family member who is undocumented.

  • 210,000 undocumented immigrants comprised 19 percent of the immigrant population and 3.1 percent of the total state population in 2014.

  • 233,035 people in Massachusetts, including 77,183 born in the United States, lived with at least one undocumented family member between 2010 and 2014.

Devastating Social and Economic Impact of Detention

According to a report from the Boston Globe, ICE arrests of undocumented people have increased 30 percent nationally.

  • Families and communities are torn apart

  • Wages are lost

  • Housing and food security are at-risk

  • Families are preyed upon by unscrupulous and usurious bail bond companies

 

Critical Importance of Bonding Out Detainees as quickly as possible

  • Restore families and communities

  • Avoid negative consequences of detention: physical, psychological and economic

  • Increase the likelihood that individual will obtain legal representation and avoid deportation

Vision
To secure the freedom of undocumented people detained by ICE to allow them the best chance to remain legally in the United States. The Immigrant Justice Bond Fund provides financial support to help cover legal fees and bond costs.

Every $25 we raise secures one month of freedom for a Massachusetts community member.

ECM has been working with the Boston Immigrant Justice Accompaniment Network (BIJAN), UU Mass Action, and Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN) to collect and disburse more than $10,000 for bonds and legal fees.

Goal
The initial goal for fundraising is $100,000, which we aim to raise from individuals, faith communities, and other organizations concerned about immigrant justice.