Dear Friend,
Thank you to all who were able to attend our recent information sessions for PALs about recent changes to federal immigration policies. We thought it would be helpful to recap some of the important takeaways:
We are all hearing reports of new immigration policies coming out of Washington, many of which have been rapidly evolving. At this time, we do not have reason to believe there will be deportation activities taking place in the Massachusetts shelter system. As you are aware, many immigrant families are housed within the Emergency Assistance shelter system. However, to get into shelter they had to demonstrate some form of legal status.
Given the fluidity of the situation, we want you to feel prepared in the unlikely situation that Immigration agents come to your shelter location during your Playspace shift.
Some guidance and guidelines in this unlikely scenario:
- If possible, please keep the door to the Playspace closed while the shift is in session.
- If law enforcement enters the room, you should do nothing out of the ordinary, continuing to focus on play with the children until the end of the shift.
- If asked a question, simply say, “With respect, this question should be answered by the shelter staff.”
- Playspace activities should continue during this time unless otherwise instructed by shelter staff and/or a parent comes to pick up their children.
- Shelter staff will oversee reuniting children with parents should there be an arrest.
- Please remain in the Playspace room until all children have been picked up by parent or shelter staff.
- If anything of this nature happens during your shift, please alert Tara Spalding (617-817-8539) or Lynne Gaines (781-724-4971) as soon as possible.
We want to emphasize again that there is very little likelihood that immigration related activities will take place at shelters at this time.
Thank you for your continued and valuable time spent with children living in shelter.
Sincerely,
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