A Vermont Tradition: Compassion or Cruelty?
Recently, a heart-wrenching incident unfolded near the Vermont-Canada border, where a family of asylum-seekers was detained by Customs and Border Protection. The wife and three young children endured 30 hours of confinement with minimal food and water, sleeping on mats on the ground before being released. However, the husband remains in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, his future uncertain despite their ongoing asylum case. This distressing narrative has sent ripples of fear through the immigrant community in Vermont.
The Plight of Asylum Seekers: A Cry for Help
Individuals fleeing persecution in their home countries based on factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, political beliefs, or religion have the right, as recognized by international law, to seek asylum in other nations, including the United States. To turn a blind eye to the struggles of asylum seekers at this critical juncture not only jeopardizes their safety but also challenges our moral integrity.
It is worth noting that the majority of Vermonters can trace their lineage back to ancestors who immigrated to the region in search of a new beginning. Many of these forebears were escaping persecution similar to what asylum seekers face today. The parallels between the histories of our families and the current plight of asylum seekers compel us to reflect on what could have happened if our predecessors had been denied entry to the US or forcibly removed without due process. Who would have spoken up for them in their time of need?
The Vermont Way: Extending a Helping Hand
In Vermont, a tradition of extending a helping hand to those in need runs deep. Not too long ago, it was customary for residents to leave their doors unlocked in case a weary traveler required shelter for the night. By maintaining open and welcoming communities for asylum seekers, we not only uphold this spirit of neighborliness but also demonstrate our commitment to compassion and justice in the present day.
Jan Steinbauer, a dedicated advocate for asylum seekers in Vermont, serves as the convenor of the Vermont-New Hampshire Asylum Support Network and chairs the Chittenden Asylum Seekers Assistance Network. Her tireless efforts underscore the importance of community-based support for those seeking refuge and safety in our midst.
In times of uncertainty and hardship, it is crucial for us to stand united in support of marginalized and vulnerable populations, including asylum seekers. As Vermonters, we have a unique opportunity to uphold our legacy of compassion, empathy, and solidarity by extending a welcoming hand to those in search of hope and sanctuary.
At the core of this issue lies a fundamental question: Will we choose to be a beacon of hope and refuge for those in need, or will we turn our backs on the very principles that define us as a community? The answer lies in each of our hearts and actions, as we navigate the complex terrain of immigration, justice, and human rights in our shared journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate society.
