RIMAS is the acronym for Refugee, Immigrant, Migrant and Asylum Seeker solidarity. In the immigration universe, there are different programs, levels and aspects. While there will be some similarities in the processes, rights and outcomes, there are definitely distinct differences that people coming into this country need to navigate.
Immigrants: Are those folks who are voluntarily looking to come into the U.S. long-term or permanently and can return to their home country at any point. They come in under a variety of visa programs. These folks are not leaving their countries because of a fear of persecution, but to seek education, employment or other opportunities.
Refugees: Are those folks who are involuntarily fleeing their home country because of war, violence or persecution, often times without warning. They flee because of a well-founded fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Their status is recognized internationally and are recognized as a population of special humanitarian concern by the U.S. They are generally protected from the time they claim refugee status generally before they arrive in the U.S. They can also be returned home once the conditions in their country become safe again.
Asylum Seekers: Are folks who are intentionally leaving their home country because of violence or persecution but unlike refugees do not have protection before arriving in the U.S. and must apply once they arrive here. They must arrive here, prove their fear for remaining in their country is well founded and apply for sanctuary. If their applications are approved, then they become refugees.
Migrants: Are those folks who travel across the borders voluntarily are not always seeking a permanent status so they become the “undocumented.” They are not fleeing, nor necessarily seeking citizenship but seeking opportunities not available in their home country. This means they may not have access to services and benefits. People who also arrive here as “undocumented” do not have the legal pathways to become citizens unless they leave the U.S. again, which poses serious challenges for them getting back into the country.
JUUstice Washington is working to improve itself as a resource for those individuals or groups seeking to learn how to resist criminalization and offer expanded sanctuary, accompaniment, legal advocacy, resettlement support, sponsorships, rapid response teams and other methods to assist and support the refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants and migrant workers in our communities.
RIMAS works in partnership with the UUA, the UUA’s Side with Love program, UU Service Committee, UURise, and participates in the UU Solidarity Initiative and the UUSC Resistance Network. Other UU-affiliated organizations working on immigration issues include UUs for Social Justice (federal policy and congressional activities) and the State Action Networks like JUUstice Washington. Individual congregations may also have their own immigration teams working in immigration issues on a local level.