Dear Friends,
The Tahirih Justice Center is named after a Persian woman who was killed for her beliefs and actions in pursuit of equality for women. Her last words were, “you can kill me as soon as you like, but you will never stop the emancipation of women.”
Justice and equality should never cost so high a price.
Here at Tahirih, we are driven by our commitment to safety for everyone, no matter where they were born, the color of their skin, or their gender or sexual orientation. We hurt when we see our neighbors suffer, and we work hard to make sure we can all access a life of safety and dignity.
We also value our nonpartisanship and choose not to name names or parties in our work. Instead, we focus on our vision for a just and equitable society and celebrate actions that promote it. But we cannot deny the deeply harmful impacts of the policy changes that have come over the last hundred days.
Starting with the orders issued on January 20, executive actions have placed immigrant survivors of violence in danger. Allowing the arrest of immigrants in previously protected areas like courts and hospitals reduces the likelihood that women will ask a social worker for help or seek a protective order. Slashing funding for children to receive legal counsel impacts their ability to live free from abuse and neglect. And pressuring law firms impacts the availability of counsel to which immigrants have a legal right.
I’m sure you find it exhausting, frustrating, and unsettling to read the news and think about these impacts. I do too. And I’m bracing for more to come.
In moments like these, it’s helpful to remember our heroes, people like Tahirih who fought for their values and vision. Let’s remain buoyed by the strength of our conviction and keep fighting for a brighter tomorrow. I am going to, and I hope you will too.
In solidarity,
Archi Pyati
—
To read and receive my monthly reflections and updates, subscribe to my newsletter here.
