Not our people
Our Executive Director had just finished speaking to our English students, assuring them that our classroom would continue to be a place of welcome. Here they would be safe to ask questions and get accurate information about the dizzying array of policy changes to America’s immigration system. Watching some tremble with fear, with tears in their eyes, a volunteer expressed confusion: “Why would our students be afraid? These changes will only affect illegal immigrants. Criminals. Not our people.”
It’s a common misconception, even among those who care deeply for refugees, that our people are safe from these changes. The fact is that there are many displaced people in our community who came through legal channels, who are now being told that their legal statuses have been revoked. They must go back to the places from which they fled. The forcibly displaced are becoming the forcibly deported.
Consider Jean Ronald, an RLP intern serving as an English instructional assistant and interpreter. Jean, an orphan from Haiti, came to Amarillo in February 2024 under the sponsorship of a local Amarillo family. He was granted permission for entry through the “humanitarian parole” program that provided a legal pathway for people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela (CHNV). Confusingly, the term “parole” here does not indicate any kind of criminal history. Like more than 500,000 other CHNV immigrants, Jean came through the proper channels and got a job as soon as his work permit was authorized, working ever since for both Walmart and RLP. He’s been a vibrant member of our community, inviting many new students into our ESL program from Walmart. Many of you met him last fall at our Taste the World fundraiser, where he proudly served Haitian food.
His sponsoring family paid his way here, opened their home to him, and helped him get on his feet using their own time, money and resources. This entire process cost the U.S. government $0. Jean pays taxes and pays into Social Security despite having legally waived his right to government assistance as a condition of his entrance into the US.
Last week, Jean and thousands of others received letters from the government informing them that their legal statuses have been revoked, their work authorizations are being terminated within the month, and they must self-deport soon afterward. Our team has been talking with and praying for Jean and others in Amarillo who are facing the same bleak prospects. Wonderful members of our community are using their platforms to advocate for these friends as well. Some of you may have seen a Facebook post from Panhandle resident Kimberly Snelgrooes whose family sponsored a Haitian couple with a story that has played out just like Jean Ronald’s. We invited Kimberly to come and share at our Refugee Advisory Council meeting last week so that our partners can understand how national changes are impacting local residents. We invite you to pray for Jean Ronald and others like him as they walk through this confusing and upsetting change of events.
Jean walks with Jesus, but this is a scary moment for him. When asked what would happen if he returned to Haiti, Jean felt that death was a likely outcome. Why wouldn’t a Haitian gang, for example, choose to hold him hostage and demand a ransom from his American family and friends?
It is important that citizens discuss and debate the immigration laws of this country. It’s appropriate that laws are changed in response to our changing world. However, we at RLP feel that it is good and godly to advocate for these neighbors whom we have already welcomed. After all, Jean is not some nameless criminal. He is our neighbor. He is one of our people.
What can you do?
Educate yourself on recent changes so you understand what real impact these actions have on your local neighbors. RLP has put together an unofficial document that helps digest some of the most recent Executive Orders in terms of local impact. We are not immigration policy experts, so please seek out reputable sources for up to date information. Tap the button below to see the document.
Contact your elected officials to voice your concerns about people like Jean Ronald. For tips on how to do that and to find out who your elected officials are, check out this helpful resource from our friends at We Choose Welcome:
Consider donating to RLP and other local orgs as we find creative ways to faithfully serve displaced people in Amarillo in every season. We would appreciate your support as we are largely funded by generous churches and individuals in this community.
Meet our New COO
John Emmitt started with us last week and we are thrilled to have the experience, heart for service and fresh perspective he brings to our team after 18 years at the Amarillo Children’s Home. We are so honored to have him here, so stop by and say hi next time you are in the building!
