By Janet West, Director of Faculty Foundation Relations
Taking action gives hope and I needed to build some hope after the election of 2016. I was especially distressed about our nation’s (mis)treatment of those seeking asylum in the US from religious and/or political persecution in their own lands. It just did not reconcile with my sense of America — a country made stronger by our diversity. I was fortunate to find the Sojourners Detention Visitor Program, which makes visits to the Elizabeth (NJ) Detention Center twice a month to provide hope, encouragement, and a link to the outside world to immigration detainees.
Elizabeth (NJ) Detention Center
I can only hope that my volunteering has meant as much to the detainees I’ve met as it has meant to me. They are full of courage and hope for citizenship in a nation where they can be safe and free. It has made me angry to learn how those persecuted in their home countries who have come to the US requesting asylum are handcuffed, arrested, and confined to immigration detention.
Our nation is made up of people who came here seeking a better life for themselves and their families. I’ve met detainees from Nepal, Tibet, and Bangladesh as well as several African countries. While I wish I could do more, visiting those held in detention who are awaiting the hearing of their asylum cases does give me hope; and I am inspired by those I have met at EDC.
