New Immigration Questions & Resources
Note: These resources are not legal advice and do not substitute for consultation with an attorney.
Below are resources that might be helpful for those with questions about new immigration laws and executive orders. If you see any errors or outdated information, please let us know as things change quickly. Email info@treetopscollective.org.
- Declared a national emergency at the southern US border and will deploy additional personnel and restart border wall construction.
- Suspended refugee resettlement, without an end date.
- Canceled asylum appointments, humanitarian parole, and detaining and/or removing those who violate federal law.
- Empowered officials to "repeal, repatriate, or remove any alien engaged in the invasion" of the southern border.
- Ended birthright citizenship for those born in the US to parent(s) who are not citizens or lawful permanent residents.
There are additional executive orders that also may affect immigration, such as designating cartels as terrorist organizations, additional vetting measures for visas, deploying the US military to the border, and trade policy that has implications for work visas.
as of 1/21/25
Review this document in English from Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MICR) that helps answer important questions, explains immigrant rights, and how to respond if someone is approached, questioned, or arrested.
Also available in the following languages:
Know Your Rights Mini Cards are available in these langauges:
Note: This is not legal advice and does not substitute for consultation with an attorney.
The short answer is no. This fact sheet from the ACLU about sanctuary congregations for faith communities answers a lot of questions about the legality of harboring or assisting an undocumented immigrant.
Yes! The Kent County Welcome Plan has a lot of resources on their page about passports, travel, citizenship classes, Know Your Rights pamphlets, and legal service providers.
We are working on compiling a list of ways to support immigrants and refugees right now. To start, check in on your neighbors!
Treetops also compiled resources from local partners specifically for immigrants and refugees on education, language, employment, entrepreneurship, food, health, housing, legal, and parenting/childcare. Click the button below to learn more.
Cross-Cultural Community Building Resources
At Treetops Collective, we value connection, authenticity, empathy, and advocacy. For the past seven years, we have been working toward social transformation here in West Michigan, partnering with New American leaders to co-create spaces of belonging. We hope these resources, opportunities, and community events enable you to connect with the refugee experience around the globe and see where you could create greater impact.
Book Club
Find a list of recommended titles about the refugee experience including discussion questions.
Recipes
Connect with friends over a pot of stew or learn from our newest neighbors over a shared meal.
Conversations
Use these discussion prompts to cultivate meaningful conversations during a happy hour or virtual meeting.
supper club
New American Restaurants
Support locally owned businesses while also treating your palette to global cuisine right here in West Michigan!
Upcoming Community Events
This calendar shows both Treetops and public events. Please be sure to review event details for important information like RSVP, cost, and location.