Among many immigrant communities in the Bay Area, Filipinx are deeply impacted by inhumane immigration and criminal legal policies and practices. Many Filipinx migrate and settle in under-resourced and over-policed neighborhoods, lacking culturally-relevant services, and funneling youth into the prison system. In addition, inhumane immigration policies create extensive wait-lists, separating families for decades, forcing many to migrate without documentation. The Filipinx community is impacted by the twin systems of immigration and incarceration.
In an effort to deepen the engagement of the Filipinx community and visibilize the impact among our kasama, IM4HI has been creating spaces for the Filipinx faith community, those directly impacted, and allies to collectively work together. Learn more about how we are engaging below, and read our blog post about Filipinx American History Month by Gala King, IM4HI Northern California Regional Director.
Kasama ng Kalayaan Collective
In 2020, with the leadership of directly impacted kasamas, Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, launched the collective, Kasama ng Kalayaan translates to “together for freedom.” Kalayaan collective was formed to provide a space to organize for the liberation and healing of Filipinx impacted by systems of immigration detention, deportation, and incarceration. Members include reps from: IM4HI, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, Asian Prisoner Support Committee, along with faith leaders, students, and directly impacted leaders and family members.
Filipinx Faith Organizing
Filipinx faith leaders are integral to this effort, providing accompaniment to kasama who are seeking asylum in the Bay Area, or resettling after immigrant detention and incarceration. Together we are creating space to deepen cultural and faith traditions for the liberation of kasama.
Ways to get involved
Join our panel during the USF Critical Migration Studies Conference. “Kalayaan: Liberating and healing the Filipinx community from immigration detention and mass incarceration” – November 2, 2021, 1:50pm
- Full workshop description is here.
- RSVP:bit.ly/FilipinxPanelUSF-RSVP
- Zoom link: bit.ly/FilipinxPanelUSF-Zoom
Join a virtual vigil for International Human Rights Day. Kalayaan at Kapayapaan: Stories of Resistance and Prayers of Resilience. December 9, 2021. RSVP: bit.ly/FilipinxVigilDec9-RSVP
Join our Kasama ng Kalayaan collective. Join our space to organize for the liberation, healing, and of our kasama impacted by immigration detention, deportation, and incarceration! Sign up here: bit.ly/kasama-ng-kalayaan
Stop the deportation of kasama Estelito Adiova! See the toolkit for what actions to take
Resources:
COMING SOON
- Community Events:
- Bulosan Workshop Description
- Filipinx Faith Dialogue Description
- Reports:
- APSC Report
- Nadal Report
- Resources for impacted community members
- Prison to ICE to freedom handbook
- Faith Resources:
- Jeepney Theology