By Michael Hopkins and Dana Toppel
Jewish Family Service of San Diego
SAN DIEGO –Welcome the Stranger. This Jewish value has been a core value at JFS since our founding in 1918, and now we are facing a pivotal moment for even stronger action. Unfortunately, recent federal immigration policies have blocked people seeking asylum from crossing the border at a port of entry and being released from short term federal immigration custody into our care.
With these changes and the cancellation of federal funding, the Migrant Shelter Services component of our Welcome the Stranger work is paused as we continue to better understand future community needs. Also, as part of these changes in federal funding and policy, Monday, we informed shelter services staff with 60 days’ notice.
We are proud of our dedicated staff’s tremendous, round-the-clock work to welcome people with dignity every day and of what we accomplished — centering humanity, prioritizing public health, and keeping hundreds of thousands of new people to our community from becoming homeless on the streets of San Diego.
And, we are grateful for your ongoing assistance and partnership and for everything that we have accomplished together. Because of the support of the community, we have welcomed more than 248,000 adults and children with dignity and respect. All people in our care have traveled to reunite with their loved ones across the U.S.
Our commitment to immigrants and refugees remains unwavering.
Meeting the Moment
While we are heartbroken, we are not surprised. We planned for this moment and are well-positioned for what comes next. In preparation, we bolstered our legal team and volunteer efforts for pro bono legal immigration services, especially for immigrants and undocumented members of our community.
—Pro bono legal services for vulnerable immigrants facing deportation, including unaccompanied minors
–Free legal services and education at 12 community colleges and universities in the region
–Renewal support for Dreamers (DACA or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients)
–An Immigration Services Legal Line to determine eligibility for JFS’s services
In addition, we remain committed to serving vulnerable members of our San Diego community with compassion and dignity. Through our Lieber’s Corner Market, On The Go transportation program, Safe Parking Program, and more, JFS remains a vital resource for those in need.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership, and thank you for joining us in taking action.
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Michael Hopkins is Chief Executive Officer of Jewish Family Service and Dana Toppel is his designated successor.