We understand that this presidential election is a source of great anxiety and uncertainty for many. As we wait until every vote is counted, it is essential that we continue to defend the rights of immigrants and those seeking asylum in our country. Here are some ways to find connection and resources during these challenging times:
Get support
This election may bring up fears and worries for many immigrants. We encourage any Harvard student who is struggling to connect with the Counseling and Mental Health Services at Harvard. If you are a current client of our Program who is in need of support, you can make an appointment with our Clinical Social Worker Liala Buoniconti. Our social work team can help you connect with resources such as mental health support, health care access, and more. To set up an appointment, please call 617-495-6648 or email lbuoniconti@law.harvard.edu.
We also know that many of our community members may feel particularly worried about their immigration status. If you are a Harvard community member with immigration concerns, we encourage you to make an appointment with the Harvard Representation Initiative in order to discuss potential immigration remedies. To schedule a free consultation, email hri@law.harvard.edu or call 617-495-6648. If you are not affiliated with Harvard and need immigration assistance, you can find a list of local organizations and private attorneys here.
Connect with your community
Even though we cannot physically be together on campus, there are still many ways to stay connected with the Harvard community. There will be an all-Harvard community space on November 5 from 5 – 6 pm EST. This event is part of a larger effort to support members of our community who are experiencing heightened anxiety in response to the current moment. All members of the Harvard community, including students, staff, faculty, postdocs, research fellows, and academic personnel, are welcome. To attend this session, please register here.
For students of color who are seeking support, there will be a Mindfulness Self-Care Student of Color Workshop Tuesdays November 10 – 17, 5 – 6 pm EST. This workshop is open to all registered Harvard students (undergrad, graduate, recent grads) who have paid the 2020-2021 Student Health Fee. Contact Carmen Cruz to register or for questions and referrals.
There are also several immigration-related groups at Harvard, such as Act on a Dream and UndocuAllies, that can offer support to students who may be feeling concerned about future immigration policies.
If you are not affiliated with Harvard and are looking to connect with others within the immigrant community, organizations across the country are offering support for folks during this election. Here are a few upcoming events and resources:
- Immigrants Rising is offering community space for undocumented young people on Wednesdays 8 – 9pm EST
- United We Dream is having a community call on November 5th at 6 pm EST
- UndocuBlack Network has compiled a guide on resilience
Know your rights
Some community members may be interested in joining public actions in the following days and weeks. For noncitizens, it is important to remember that if you are arrested at a protest or rally (e.g., for blocking the road), you may face immigration consequences, including removal. There are a few precautionary measures you can take if you plan to attend a protest.
- Check with the organizers to see if they have applied for a permit for the protest. Often, a permitted protest is coordinated ahead of time with authorities to ensure participants’ safety.
- Make sure you have the contact information for a lawyer. The National Lawyers Guild has legal support hotlines available for people participating in political actions.
The HLS Office of Clinical and Pro-Bono Programs has also compiled a list of resources on protesting. If you are a Harvard community member with questions about how protesting could potentially affect your immigration status, we strongly encourage you to make an appointment with an HRI attorney by calling 617-495-6648 or emailing hri@law.harvard.edu.
Be an ally
During these uncertain times it is important to show solidarity with the immigrant community. There are many Massachusetts organizations that work to advance the rights of immigrants. You can find a list of those organizations here and get involved.
If you would like to support our Program’s work, we are currently seeking individuals who speak a language other than English to become volunteer interpreters. Interpreters assist with tasks such as client meetings and translation of documents. We are in particular need of Spanish speakers. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer interpreter, please sign up here.
Image by Melanie Cervantes