Undocumented immigrants are fearing the worst under President Trumps administration. As a result, a grassroots immigrant outreach group, created after Trump's election, is now gaining momentum. NY1’s Lisa Voyticki has the first of a two-part story on how these Staten Islanders are creating a template for change.
Strangers are becoming friends after joining a Facebook group to bring together Staten Islanders who want to help undocumented immigrants. South Shore resident Jennifer Balis started a group called the ‘Above Ground Railroad.’ It is a response to President Trump’s plans which include the increased deportations of illegal immigrants.
“As a mother of a 16 year old I can't imagine someone I can't imagine somebody trying to divide me and my daughter,” said Balis. “We want people to know you can come to us to help us, we want to meet your family.”
There are more than 60 members on Facebook. About a dozen members meet in person regularly. The ‘Above Ground Railroad’ works with immigrant advocacy group La Colmena to get to know their undocumented neighbors. They have already held two potluck dinners.
The first undocumented attorney in New York, Cesar Vargas, who also lives on the South Shore, is working with the group, too.
“There is no political agenda it's just people coming together letting them know about their kids school, letting them know about their vacation, letting them know how was work," said Vargas. "It’s just people connecting with people."
Many of the members say they are even willing to take young children into their own home in case families are separated due to deportation.
“My husband and I have already been approved as foster parents,” said Alicia Isasi-Endress.
“Right now the plan is I would take children for anybody," added Ruth Silverberg. "I don't have a lot of walls but I could put up dividers and make room for people.”
Sunday the group met in West Brighton to make sure a plan is in place in case families get torn apart. They hope it never happens.
“People say 'yeah just send them back,' send them back to what? These are American citizens," said Balis.
Group members are starting to form relationships with partner families; exchanging recipes, learning languages and connecting on social media.
“Many people are telling me 'I’m so glad we're not alone anymore,” said Vargas of fellow undocumented Staten Islanders.
And now the movement is moving beyond the borough. Some Brooklyn and New Jersey residents attended the meeting Sunday. They want to start the same group in their communities.