Written by Garrett Gibbons
I am closely connected to my heritage of immigrant ancestors who fled to America to escape poverty, disease and war. It’s easy for me to see the similarity between my own ancestors and these wonderful, displaced people who have been flooding into Europe in the last few years. My heart has gone out to them, and I wish that they could be welcome in the USA like my ancestors once were.
Seeing that so many people in the world are afraid of refugees, and are filled with misconceptions about what they represent, I jumped at the opportunity to work with other artists and tell these stories to the world. I wish that everyone could see themselves in these refugees’ faces.
Official Statement on the Detention of Refugees and Ongoing Community Violence
With another death in Minnesota and continued violence toward individuals and groups standing up for their communities, we acknowledge the profound fear and uncertainty people are feeling--not just locally, but across the country.
On top of this, there are reports that refugees invited and admitted to our country through the U.S. Refugee Admission Program are now being detained, meaning that our new friends and neighbors feel that fear most acutely.
Refugees have already fled violence and persecution once. They came here legally, seeking safety. In moments like these, we reaffirm our commitment to building communities where refugees and immigrants can live without fear. Where they can go to work, send their children to school, and build lives of dignity and belonging.
We call for due process, accountability, and humanity in all immigration enforcement operations. We call upon our leaders to demand the demilitarization of our neighborhoods and cities. And we call on all of us to continue the work of welcoming and protecting those who have been forcibly displaced from their homes.