The New Sanctuary Coalition (NSC) accompaniment program recruits and trains volunteers to accompany people facing deportation to their immigration hearings and ICE check-ins. This provides moral support to the person facing deportation and enables volunteers to hold immigration authorities accountable. Standing in solidarity with migrants facing deportation also demonstrates to immigration judges, ICE officers, and government attorneys that there is a community mobilized against their deportation.

The Immigration Accompaniment Program helps support families who are going through the immigration process in 3 ways:

• PROVIDES A SUPPORT STRUCTURE to strengthen those caught in immigration proceedings

• KEEPS FAMILY MEMBERS INFORMED at every step of the process as their loved ones move forward

• HOLDS LEGAL OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE for providing accurate information and serving due process

It is a concrete way to extend sanctuary for the most vulnerable among us. Sanctuary is not a physical entity but the spaces wherein all of us can breathe freely and in dignity.

We are building a movement that cares and protects the other, not matter where they are from or who they are.

How does it work?  

Training consists of grounding the immigration system’s present moment in its historical and political context, framing our work through NSC’s founding principles, delving into the specifics of what our accompaniment work accomplishes, and outlining strategies for allyship in light of current threats to migrant communities.

Once you’re trained you become part of the accompaniment program. You’ll learn about upcoming accompaniments and can sign up for time slots and locations that work for you. You’ll also leave with resources, information and thought partnership for building a stronger network of allies in your community.