Dear John,

“...violent criminal aliens rapidly being removed from our neighborhoods.” 

“... the arrests of aliens attempting to defraud the immigration system.” 

“Aliens, immigration attorneys...take note: the days of exploiting our immigration system are over. Aliens who want to live and work in America need to do it legally or get out.” 

These vile comments are from an official news release from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), marking the first 100 days of the federal administration. This fearmongering language continues to push the administration's dehumanizing anti-immigrant stance, making it harder for all immigrants, regardless of legal status, to pursue a pathway to citizenship. The United States purports to be the leader of the free world, but when people who come seeking safety, education, health, and happiness are met with violence, reality belies that bold claim.  

Under the Trump administration, USCIS has abandoned the pretense of caring for and welcoming new immigrants. Instead, in a matter of months, this government agency has become a tool to create fear and exclusion. They've targeted long-standing humanitarian programs that offered safety to those fleeing from persecution, facilitated ICE in their violent mass deportations, and monitored social media for “Anti-Americanism”, all in an attempt to systematically reduce support systems for immigrants and vilify them. We at the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) are at the forefront of facing these challenges in the immigration space, responding rapidly to the increasing needs of our clients while bracing ourselves for the next federal order. 

And now, recent federal decisions have threatened the funding of various nonprofits including ILCM—resulting in the loss of a $70,000 grant that funded 42% of our citizenship services, and this may only be the beginning. Our citizenship services not only help individuals complete their applications but also empower them to fully participate in civic life, support their families, and contribute to the stability and prosperity of Minnesota communities. Cuts to this work roll back years of progress toward building welcoming, inclusive communities across our state. In an era of rapid policy shifts, naturalization and the safeguards it provides are more critical than ever.  

This is why today we are launching our Build Belonging, Not Barriers Campaign. Our goal is to raise $70,000 to replace the funding that USCIS stripped away.  

We are writing to all ILCM supporters like you, John, to help us urgently fill this gap. Why? 

Because behind these cruel policies are people, just like me and you. Not “aliens.” Not “violent criminals.” Not case numbers or statistics. They are people—with names, aspirations, families, and identities. They have stories they deserve to tell. People like the two sisters from Afghanistan, who obtained citizenship with ILCM’s help after their family fled Afghanistan due to discrimination because of their ethnic background. Like Michael*, a queer DACA recipient who reached out to ILCM and expressed his fear of losing his immigration status and wish to continue school. Like Maria*, a trans woman from Cuba who escaped persecution due to her gender identity and is receiving legal support at ILCM. These people are our neighbors, friends, colleagues; they’re the ones who brighten the future of all Minnesota’s communities. They deserve to be embraced with compassion, not criminalization.    

This June, as we celebrate both Pride Month and Immigrant Heritage Month, we want to acknowledge that both immigrants and LGBTQIA+ people have a history rooted in persecution and a dream for safety. And both have resisted and fought against the systems that refuse to recognize their inherent value and humanity. As part of ILCM’s mission, we want to reaffirm: immigrants and refugees of every background, gender identity, faith, and orientation belong here. And we are committed to standing with them by honoring their full humanity by using non-gendered language, allowing clients to self-identify their gender without assumptions, having in-depth conversations with clients in all decisions regarding legal forms and how to proceed with their case, and more. We are committed to helping all our clients navigate the complex legal system. 

With your support, we can continue to:  

• Provide critical naturalization legal services to meet rising demand. Just in 2024, we filed 349 naturalization applications, helping clients take critical steps toward citizenship, stability, and civic engagement. Additionally, we’ve seen an increase in citizenship inquiries from clients with previously protected status’ as gaining citizenship offers the best protection against threats of deportation. 
• Tailor outreach to meet the unique needs of immigrants and refugees hoping to obtain citizenship, ensuring the pathway to citizenship is accessible to those who might otherwise face significant barriers.  
• Review legal options and support for clients like Michael* and Maria* for an immigration status that could get them on a pathway to citizenship if available.

Our Build Belonging, Not Barriers Campaign is not just a fundraising campaign; it is a declaration of solidarity to ILCM’s clients and the communities we serve. 
 
Will you help us reach our $70,000 goal?  Your gift serves as a lifeline to those who deserve recognition and participation to American life; it helps provide support on a journey that has so many roadblocks. When the government builds barriers, we build bridges. To our immigrant and refugee community: You are not alone. Not now. Not ever. 

In community,  

Jennifer Stohl Powell  

Executive Director 

*Name has been changed for safety and security.