Dear Friends:
Our efforts to help Armando return home to his family and ours have hit a critical point and we need your help.
As you know he was accepted into ICE custody in June after members of our community walked with him to the U.S./Mexico border so he could seek asylum. He spent some time in detention in Arizona and for the past 4 months has been in Albany County Prison which opened a wing for asylum seekers.
He has been awaiting an interview by ICE to determine if he has a fear of returning to his home. In addition to the fact that he spent 30 years in the United States, has no criminal record, has a family and employment, Armando indeed has credible reason to fear returning to Mexico.
Not long ago, Armando had the interview to determine if his fear is credible. The Attorney General of the United States recently limited the definition of asylum. Even under the new definition Armando has a strong case and the officers who interviewed him acknowledged that he indeed has a fear. However, they rejected his claim as not adhering to the recently narrowed definition of what constitutes fear for asylum purposes.
Armando has one last appeal before an immigration judge which will likely happen soon. If the judge fails to reverse the decision Armando will be deported back to Mexico.
A number of Bet Torah members have been working consistently to give Armando the best shot at returning to his family. The work has been quiet, with the attorney and within the system as it currently is structured.
After discussion with the attorney, and Armando Jr. we now feel it appropriate be much more public.
Our goal is to share Armando's story as widely as possible in the hopes that someone, somewhere who can make a difference may be moved to do so.
There are a number of actions you can take to help us do that.
- The appeal will come before judges in Batavia and we encourage you to print out the following letter, sign it, add a handwritten note and mail it as soon as possible to the address you will find on the letter. There are two letters, one for Bet Torah members and one for members of the community at large. Feel free to share and encourage both populations. Here they are: Letter From BT Member. Letter From Community Member.
- We have updated the video with the latest chapter in Armando's story. Please share it and encourage friends and family to share it as well. Here is the link: Armando Video
- We will be holding a Rally For Armando on the steps of the entrance to Bet Torah this Tuesday October 16th at 7:30pm. We will share our feelings about Armando, we will sing and we will talk about why we think he belongs here with us, his family. We encourage you to bring your children and to make signs that are supportive messages and expressions of love for Armando. Please refrain from including any partisan messages. We will be notifying the media of our plans. We will share with you a digital flier that you can share with friends and on social media.
- We will be organizing a bus to Batavia for the hearing. We don't have a date yet but as soon as we do we will let you know.
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me or our president, Carol Siege.
Shabbat is about to start. Shabbat is a time when we think about the world as it ought to be. Shabbat is meant to fill us with hopes, dreams and visions that we can bring back to the world as it is. Shabbat reminds us to bring a little more love, a little more justice and a little more kindness to the everyday.
Even when the status quo seems immovable and unchangeable. Especially when it feels that way.
On Shabbat we dream and then we get to work. Lets bring Armando home.
Shabbat Shalom
Aaron
