Are you looking for a way to make a difference?

by naden

Five Guatemalan families, caught up in the 2008 Agriprocessor’s Raid on Postville have become eligible for the U.S. Department of Immigration's U-Visa program. The five young men who are returning in December were employed at the Postville meat packing plant in violation of U.S. Child Labor Laws. Children as young as 14 were employed at the plant. A U-Visa allows those abused by illegal labor practices to be granted the right to temporary immigration status for 3 years and to bring immediate family members with them. After 3 years, the family will be eligible to apply for a permanent work visa and eventually for citizenship.

One of these five young men, Jimy, is moving to Waterloo this month with his family.

The N.E. Iowa Peace and Justice Center, in collaboration with the Decorah Area Faith Coalition, invites you to join us in helping Jimy’s family and other families get a fresh start in their new life here. This appeal is an opportunity to help put right some of the injustices many victims of the Postville raid have suffered.

Please consider three means of giving:

• Money is needed to provide housing, clothing, food and transportation. We also hope to provide reimbursement for Sonia Parras, an immigration lawyer from Des Moines, who has donated countless hours to the tasks of applying for the U-Visas and working with both the U.S. and Guatemalan governments. Donations are tax deductible. Please consider a generous donation! Checks may be made out to: The U-Visa Fund @ N.E. Iowa Peace and Justice Center, 119 Winnebago St. Decorah, IA 52101, 563-382-5337
• Clothes, furniture, and vehicles are needed. Now is the time to clean out your closet and give your extra “stuff” to someone who can use it!
• Translators, advocates, and people willing to transport family members are needed.
• Sponsorships by churches and other organizations are needed. The families will need help integrating into and navigating our communities and culture. Personal contact and friendships are the most precious gifts we have to give!