On December 10 every year, the world observes Human Rights Day, commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, according to the official UN website.

URGENT!!! HELP NEEDED! 

Donate to bring Mohan Karki home

An update from OPAWL: Thank you to all of you who took collective action in support of Mohan Karki, a Bhutanese-Nepali refugee from Ohio, to protect him from ICE’s last-minute attempt over the national holiday to deport him to Bhutan. On Monday, Dec. 1, a Michigan federal judge denied ICE’s motion to vacate the order requiring Mohan to attend his federal court hearing — affirming Mohan’s right to his day in court. 

On Dec. 3, Mohan presented his habeas case, in court and in person. Mohan’s wife, Tika Basnet, and their baby have traveled to Michigan for the court hearing, which will be about Mohan’s due process claims and the emergency Temporary Restraining Order that was filed on Sunday. Our collective voices helped pressure ICE to comply with the judge’s ruling and also resulted in Rep. Beatty and other elected officials taking action to help ensure that Mohan will hopefully be able to hug Tika and hold his daughter for the first time.

You can help support Mohan & Tika in their continued fight for his freedom by donating to or sharing Mohan’s GoFundMe. Mohan was the family’s primary income earner, and Tika has already spent her life savings in legal fees. With the funds raised so far, a criminal attorney is reviewing Mohan’s court documents and working on his case.

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Fund for Immigration Legal Assistance (FILA) Launches Fundraising Campaign 

First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus

Due to increased demand, FILA (Fund for Immigrant Legal Assistance), operated by First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus, has launched an emergency fundraising campaign.

FILA is the only fund in Central Ohio that helps immigrants with legal expenses. Since the HUB newsletter has spread the word about FILA, it has been inundated with requests for aid. This past summer, FILA granted 20 funding requests in two months, depleting its funds – and we need your help. Hear from three people who are aware of the desperate need.

Demand has grown amid the ICE crackdown, along with increases in most fees. FILA has helped cover application fees (such as work permits and asylum) and other legal expenses, and needs your help to continue providing this crucial resource.  

How Can You Help?

1. Donate. Any amount will help! Ask family and friends to do the same. 
2. Post the campaign on social media.
3. Ask your organization, religious congregation, and other groups that may care about immigrants to promote the campaign. 

Do you have fundraising expertise? 

Contact us at the HUB by responding to this email or emailing directly at fila@firstuucolumbus.org

Learn more about how to help fundraise or donate to FILA.

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The Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS) Merch Store

Help benefit the work and mission of CRIS

This holiday season, give gifts with purpose! Shop the CRIS store, where every purchase supports welcome in Central Ohio: cozy CRIS apparel, one-of-a-kind paintings, CRIS candles, totes, welcome signs, and donations in memory or honor of loved ones are among the thoughtful gift options!