For those who desperately wanted to keep Donald Trump out of the White House, Wednesday morning’s election results brought on devastation, panic, and, ultimately, a sense of complete and utter helplessness. The simple, admittedly unbearable truth is that there is nothing we can do to change the outcome of the election, but there is plenty we can do to help the people Trump has made most vulnerable by donating and fighting for the causes the federal government will soon fight against. For starters, you could donate to these organizations that help immigrants.
In the wake of the American Civil Liberties Union’s(ACLU) declaration of war on Trump’s presidency should he pursue the mass of unconstitutional laws he promised on the campaign trail, the organization could hardly keep track of the donations that poured in. On an unselfish level, this speaks to how decent Americans now know the government is probably not going to be where marginalized, vulnerable people find help, resources, and advocacy over the next several years. On a more personal level, Americans know that donating to causes that matter to them is one way to feel a little bit of control over this chaotic situation, and they intend to seize on it.
Many Americans had to watch the values they held dear get trampled, and worse yet, many felt complete fear for their safety while watching the election of a man who spent his campaign glorifying violence, but also associating people of color with crime, rape, and terrorism. Immigrants, in particular, are a group Trump continuously targeted with his rhetoric and ignorant vitriol, exposing them to hate speech and violence from his supporters. They’re also the very group he intends on targeting his first 100 days in office.
If this disturbs you and you’re in a position to do so, here are some organizations helping immigrants that could really use your donations.
National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
The NILC focuses on representing and protecting the rights of poor, low-income immigrants currently living in the United States. Trump has vowed to round up and deport immigrants, and it’s important to help the organizations working to protect their legal rights. You can donate to the NILC here.
Border Angels
A non-profit run entirely on volunteers, Border Angels advocates for social justice around the U.S.-Mexico border and legislative immigration reform. The educational and awareness programs it offers are more important now than ever, as we as a nation are about to descend into a sea of hateful, ultimately ignorant rhetoric about the realities of immigration. Border Angels also maintains migrant outreach programs reaching out to San Diego County’s immigrant population. Donate to Border Angels here.
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA)
CHIRLA focuses on advocacy, awareness, and education that emphasizes the need for human and labor rights for immigrants. Considering all the effort Trump appears keen on putting toward getting rid of immigrants, I strongly doubt his administration and our Republican Congress will do much to protect the labor rights of those who stay. You can give to CHIRLA here.
National Immigration Forum
Another prominent immigrant advocacy group, the National Immigration Forum provides multiple programs that offer immigrants training and support to integrate into the workforce, along with legal support to obtain citizenship. Donate to the Forum here.
Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)
While MALDEF advocates for all Mexican Americans and their rights and access to social justice in society, it also specializes in pro-immigration litigation and develops public policy and legislation for immigration reform. You can donate to MALDEF here.
San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium (SDIRC)
Founded in 2007, the SDIRC focuses on educating immigrants of their rights, advocating for immigration reform, and educating the public about myths and misconceptions about immigrants, a goal that will become exponentially more critical in the years to come. Give to the SDIRC here.
Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights
Last but not least, this organization focuses onprotecting child immigrants who immigrate to the U.S. on their own. Under Trump’s administration, they will truly be the most vulnerable, and if you think you feel powerless, put their situation in perspective and either donate here or learn about volunteering opportunities if you live in the Chicago, NYC, Houston, or Washington D.C.
After you’ve finished mourning (and, seriously, take your time), understand that there are things you can do. The causes that are important to you are no longer important to the man who will represent our nation, but they remain important to so many incredible organizations like these.
Original by Kylie Cheung @kylietcheung
