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IRATE &
First Friends
is a non-profit organization that upholds the inherent humanity and dignity of all immigrants. We
provide visitors and non legal assistance for immigrants held in detention and work for improved conditions.
We advocate for the end of arbitrary, mass detention believing detention is morally wrong, legally suspect and wasteful of taxpayer funds.
Imagine the danger that it would take to force you to leave your homeland and your family. Why would you flee your homeland and travel to an unknown land? Survival? Freedom? Liberty!
You land at JFK, with a valid passport and visa, in America, the land of Liberty, and think; "I have made it!"
Just feet from the Customs Officer, you approach the window and say: "I am seeking asylum."
Now imagine your confusion as you are delayed, then shackeled, put into a van, taken to a warehouse where you are strip searched, and put behind bars.
Wait! What have I done?
Why are you doing this to me?
My papers are valid- Look!!!"
Wait! What have I done? Why are you doing this to me? My papers are valid- Look!!!"
What is your state of mind three, or six months later, held with 45 others in a dorm room where you live for 23 hours a day with no access to fresh air. You have no one to talk to who can or will explain what is happening. You are isolated and confused.
People disappear and others arrive with no explanation.
Is this liberty? There must be some mistake!
Then you hear a "friend" has offered to meet with you. But you have no friends in this now-frightening land. What stranger wants to meet you, to give you their time? Who would do this for a stranger?
"Hello, I am with First Friends..."
And if you have entered into this story, you will understand why we are sometimes called IRATE.