My family first arrived in the United States after the fall of a horrific dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. Now because of a new decision by President Trump, immigrants like my grandmother live in fear of being deported back to the violence they fled – even in school or places of worship.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should be prohibited from conducting raids in sanctuaries of safety, such as schools and churches.
People deserve to worship in peace, without looking over their shoulder for ICE agents. It is entirely unacceptable that children now feel afraid to go to school, unsure of whether they will face ICE officers in the playground, scared they might be detained before school is out.
This new policy will push people to stop going to church or school, creating isolation, more fear and long-lasting mental health effects. I know from my family and my professional experience as a therapist the psychological impact that deportation fears can have on people. Human beings need safe spaces, even as this country has become increasingly unsafe for immigrants.
My family's story of fleeing violence is all too common among the undocumented immigrants who are being targeted by ICE. So many of us come here to seek sanctuary, and it has been so painful to watch that sense of safety stripped under the current administration. I learned from my family to stay quiet, and try to fly under the radar in order to stay safe.
But today I raise my voice loud for those who can't. Join me in demanding that ICE be kept out of schools and churches.
Dr. Charissa D. Pizarro
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