wfn.org | Interfaith group provides home for asylum seekers

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Nov. 30, 1999 News media contact: Linda Bloom·(212) 870-3803·New York
10-21-71B{640}

By United Methodist News Service

As the detention of refugees becomes more of an issue, an interfaith
coalition for immigrants' rights is providing assistance through a home in
York, Pa.

The Golden Vision Foundation International Friendship House serves as a
center for housing, counseling and community services for asylum seekers who
had been detained and later released by the Immigration and Naturalization
Service for illegal entry into the United States.

"Since the (new immigration) law in 1996, more and more people are being
detained all the time," said the Rev. Joan Maruskin, a United Methodist who
serves as president of the foundation's board of directors. "The detention
issue probably is at a crisis point in this country."

The coalition, founded in 1993, was originally named "People of the Golden
Vision." It was formed as a support group for men from the Golden Venture, a
ship that was smuggling Chinese refugees from China to the United States
when it ran aground off New York City in June of that year. Many of the men
were detained at the York County Prison, and the group conducted prayer
vigils for the refugees, visited them in prison and worked to gain their
freedom.

That freedom finally came in February 1997, when President Clinton agreed to
release all Golden Venture passengers - 47 men and five women - from
detention. The refugees were to remain in immigration proceedings, with each
case for asylum determined individually.

Many of the Golden Venture refugees "are still in process," according to
Maruskin. Others have received asylum or remain on artist visas. Community
supporters had raised money for them by selling artwork that the refugees
had created while in jail.

The coalition bought the friendship house in January 1997. The United
Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and its parent agency, the United
Methodist Board of Global Ministries, contributed $5,000 and $10,000,
respectively, toward the down payment. The Church of the Brethren provided
another $25,000.

After dealing with zoning and other legal issues, the foundation opened the
house last February. Currently, nine people from four countries live at the
home, and a few more are expected soon when they are released from
detention. The house manager is a member of Christ United Methodist Church
in nearby Yoe, Pa., where Maruskin is pastor, and one of its first residents
is now an adviser to the current asylum seekers. 

House residents participate in daily English classes. Some receive legal
assistance from the Pennsylvanian Immigration Resource Center.

"The house partially pays for itself," Maruskin said, noting that three
attached apartments serve as income-producers. The foundation also conducted
a capital funds campaign.

Education about the value of immigrants and refugees and the issue of
detention remains an important aspect of the coalition's work. More than 200
people attended an open house at the home in October, demonstrating the
interest of local citizens, she said.

"We're really working to build a hospitable community in the York area," she
added.

A project currently under development involves having a local church or
individual "adopt" an immigrant to help him or her adjust to life in United
States.

The Golden Vision Foundation does advocacy through the Detention Watch
Network -- representing 180 different immigrants' rights organizations
around the country - as well as lobbying with UMCOR and Church World
Service. Maruskin said a number of bills currently in Congress would "fix
the legislation in 1996 that is responsible for so many immigrants being
detained." Other legislation, she noted, would halt the detention of asylum
seekers.

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United Methodist News Service
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