The Mission Statement reads:
The stated goals of the Committee for Action on Immigration Reform include:
1) To take a public, moral stand for immigrants’ rights
2) To reveal, through education and advocacy, the actual impact on and possible suffering of immigrant workers and their families through hate, workplace discrimination, and unjust deportation.
It is the Mission of the Ascension Committee for Action on Immigration Reform to investigate how we can best support the goals above as individuals, as a committee, and as a church community.
We have listed a couple of items in the Ascendant:
Sojourners Magazine listed ten unfounded myths about immigrants, and the facts that refute those myths:
1. Myth: Immigrants don’t pay taxes.
Immigrants pay taxes, in the form of income tax, property tax, sales tax, and other taxes at the federal and state level. Even undocumented immigrants pay income taxes, as evidenced by the Social Security Administration’s “suspense file” (taxes that cannot be matched to workers’ names and Social Security numbers), which grew by $20 billion between 1990 and 1998.
2. Myth: Immigrants come here to take welfare.
The ratio between immigrant use of public benefits and the amount of taxes they pay is consistently favorable to the U.S. In one estimate, immigrant tax payments total $20 to $30 billion more than the amount of government services they use.
3. Myth: Immigrants send all their money back to their home countries.
4. Myth: Immigrants take jobs and opportunity away from Americans.
5. Myth: Immigrants are a drain on the U.S. economy.
The net benefit of immigration to the U.S. is nearly $10 billion annually.
6. Myth: Immigrants don’t want to learn English or become Americans.
7. Myth: There are many more immigrants today than there were 100 years ago.
8. Myth: Most immigrants cross the border illegally.
Around 75 percent of today’s immigrants have legal permanent (immigrant) visas; of the 25 percent that are undocumented, 40 percent overstayed temporary (nonimmigrant) visas.
9. Myth: Weak U.S. border enforcement has led to high undocumented immigration.
immigrants to enter the U.S., compared with the number of jobs in need of workers, has significantly contributed to the current situation.
10. Myth: The war on terrorism can be won through immigration restrictions.
opposite effect and actually make us less safe, since targeted communities of immigrants are afraid to come forward with information.
This material is adapted from “Myths” at the Justice for Immigrants website (www.justiceforimmigrants.org) of the Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform, which also lists sources for the information. 10 Myths About Immigrants. adapted from ‘Myths Learn the Facts’ by Justice for Immigrants. Sojourners Magazine, July 2006 (Vol. 35, No. 7, pp. 16).
Help New Immigrants Learn to Read, Write and Speak English
The Literacy Council of Montgomery County provides three days of volunteer training at local libraries, and will assign students to tutors following the training. For more information call 301-610-0030 or email www.literacycouncilmcmd.org. Two other programs are located at County Libraries. One program teaches students one-on-one
how to use language software. The other, a Conversation Club, gives students of English a chance to practice their speaking skills. For more information about training and schedules call any Public Library.
Since Sept. 11, the many measures targeting immigrants in the name of national security have netted no terrorism prosecutions. In fact, several of these measures could have theFrom 1986 to 1998, the Border Patrol’s budget increased sixfold, and the number of agents stationed on our southwest border doubled to 8,500. The undocumented immigrant population doubled in that period, to 8 million. An insufficient number of legal avenues forThe portion of the U.S. population that is foreign born now stands at 11.5 percent; in the early 20th century, it was approximately 15 percent.Within 10 years of arrival, more than 75 percent of immigrants speak English well; moreover, demand for English classes at the adult level far exceeds supply.The largest wave of immigration to the U.S. since the early 1900s coincided with the lowest national unemployment rate and fastest economic growth.In addition to the consumer spending of immigrant households, immigrants and their businesses contribute $162 billion in tax revenue to federal, state, and local governments in the United States.
We have developed a Resource List of resources in the community who do not ask immigration status before asking assistance. A notebook with this information is at Ascesion House for use by Mobile Med clients.
Resource List
Casa of Maryland
734 University Boulevard East
Silver Spring MD 20903
Tel: 301-431-4185
Fax: 301-431-4179
This information is from CASA's website.
CASA’s Legal Program, operating out of offices in Baltimore and Silver Spring, seeks to improve the quality of life and legal justice for Latinos and low-income families through legal education, legal services, and advocacy projects. We offer legal consultations and representation for day laborers, domestic workers, and tenants. We negotiate claims and bring lawsuits in state and federal courts for nonpayment of wages; minimum wage and overtime violations; unlawful wage deductions; discriminatory employment practices; retaliatory discharges; and involuntary servitude. We also provide legal assistance to low-wage tenants and tenant associations on landlord/tenant issues. In addition to direct representation, CASA performs outreach to inform workers about essential workplace rights and strategies to protect themselves. We go to non-traditional hiring halls, such as street corners and parking lots, to inform workers of their rights and encourage them to seek redress for violations.
CASA provides information about the availability of basic social services such as free or low-cost medical programs, mental health care, legal services and emergency shelter. We also provide information and refer clients to government and private social service programs for which they and their families may be eligible. Our organization assists clients who have problems receiving assistance and benefits. CASA also translates and notarizes legal documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, school transcripts and other important papers. We also supply INS forms and help clients complete them, including fingerprints.
CASA’s Employment Program places workers in day, temporary, and permanent jobs that pay a living wage. CASA’s Workers’ Centers are recognized as a national model in addressing the employment-related needs of low-income immigrants.
CASA of Maryland’s Health Program works to address public health and primary care needs in the community. This includes health education and improved access to screening and treatment services for HIV, cancer and tobacco use prevention. Our model of education utilizes popular education methodology to train community health promoters who are trusted by their peers. We provide on site HIV counseling and testing services two times per week and primary medical care one day per week. CASA also addresses the need for improved access to medical treatment by providing a bilingual telephone health line to inform community members of available services and to help them navigate the system. Additionally, CASA provides medical interpreting services for limited English speakers.
431 N. Frederick Avenue,
Suite 105
Gaithersburg, MD 20877, 301-216-2510
How Gaithersburg HELP serves those in need:
FOOD… HELP provides a three-day supply of food based on family size from our local food pantry by appointment.
INFANT NEEDS… HELP provides diapers and infant formula for short- term emergencies.
PRESCRIPTIONS… HELP assists with emergency medical needs such as medicines.
TRANSPORTATION… HELP assists with transportation to medical appointments and social service agencies.
OTHER FINANCIAL NEEDS… HELP considers other emergency needs on a case by case basis to help families over a short period crisis.
SUPPORT AND REFERRAL… HELP listens and offers guidance to identify other resources that clients may access during the stress and confusion of an emergency. This includes referrals for rent, utility bills, clothing, and furniture needs.
Gaithersburg Help does not inquire about immigration status, mearly proof that the person seeking help resides in the area they serve. They do partner with area churches (including Ascension.)
Hans Rosenfeld Upcounty Interfaith Clothing Center
620 E. Diamond Ave., Suite M, Gaithersburg, MD; 301-977-1267
Provides clothing, small household goods, school supplies and diapers.
Donation hours are Mon., Wed. and Fri. from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Thurs. 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., and Sat. 9:00 a.m. –3:00 p.m.
(There is also a location in Rockville. Phone: 301-424-3796
MobileMed at Church of the Ascension
202 S. Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD; Intersection of South summit Ave and Rte. 355. 301-948-0122
MobileMed provides low-cost/free medical care to uninsured patients.
Hours of operation: Every Tuesday beginning at 8:30 AM (Full day)
Mobile Med has several other walk-in sites in Silver Spring and Rockville. For more information call MobileMed at 301-493-2400
Manna
Spanish Catholic Center
415 E. Diamond Ave., Gaithersburg, MD; 301-740-2523
(There is also a location in Silver Spring. address and phone number here)
Offers immigration services, and classes in employment and ESL.
Immigration presentation: Every Wednesday at 12:15 pm. The class costs $30.00, but is free of charge to low-income families. We as a church can write a letter explaining that a family is low income. The Center will waive the fee for the class. `The immigration class is conducted in Spanish and covers the basics of becoming a permanent resident, setting up power of attorney, and dealing with raids or arrests. Amy Yergey is the person to speak with about immigration concerns.
St. Martin’s Catholic Church Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen
115 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD; Intersection of South summit Ave and Rte. 355.
(301) 990-3203
Food Pantry
The St. Martin's Food Pantry distributes non-perishable food items to needy families every Monday throughout the year, including holidays that fall on a Monday. The Pantry's Monday food distribution starts with the giving out of numbers for places in line, beginning when the Pantry volunteers arrive about 5:45 am Monday morning. Distribution of food begins at 10:00 am and closes at 11:30 am.
The Lord's Table Soup Kitchen
The Lord's Table serves hot nutritious meals daily Monday through Saturday, September to June at 3:30 pm in the Church Hall.Upper Montgomery County Assistance Network
7600 Lindbergh Ave., Gaithersburg, MD; 301-926-4422
This organization partners with 14 church congregations and agencies in the area to provide assistance with utility fees, eviction prevention, and food, clothing and immigration needs. They do not ask if callers are documented.
Holy Cross Hospital Primary Care Health Clinic 3-10-09
702 Russell Avenue Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Gaithersburg MD
Telephone: 301-355-7037
The clinic, which opened in 2009, is affiliated with Holy Cross Hospital.
The clinic provides medical care, annual screenings, chronic disease management, behavioral health services, preventive care and health education. At this time, services are by appointment only, and for uninsured adults only. Most clients are from Montgomery County, but they do see clients from Prince George’s County and even Virginia. Clients need to bring proof of income and proof of residency. The clinic does not ask about documentation. The clinic will assist in applications for financial assistance.
St. Rose of Lima has reestablished its furniture ministry. Clients can schedule an appointment to receive furniture at a Saturday morning distribution. Email: clients@strosefurniture.com or call 301-482-2947.
To make a tax-deductible donation of furniture in good condition, email donations@strosefurniture.com to schedule drop-off or free pick-up. For more information, visit www.strosefurniture.com.