The Northeast Kingdom Asylum Seekers Assistance Network board appreciates St. Johnsbury’s chief of police, Timothy Page, and chamber of commerce director, Gillian Sewake, for their respectful welcome of asylum seekers brought to the city recently by U.S. Customs & Border Protection Service agents. St. Johnsbury is fortunate to have humane individuals like Chief Page and Ms. Sewake serving us.
According to Vermont Refugee Office Director Tracy Dolan, Vermont-Canada border crossings have increased 300% in just the past eight weeks. All who follow the news understand that many forces push people to make the arduous journey to the U.S. — from war to sectarian violence to natural disaster. The Customs & Border Protection Service is mandated to assist asylum seekers crossing into Vermont to move on. How they move people along is where communities like St. Johnsbury can help.
NEKASAN appreciates Derby Line agents for doing their best to ensure safe passage for all, sometimes using their own funds to cover overnight accommodations.
After the recent predawn drop-off of a group of Haitians at the welcome center, Chief Page reached out to Gov. Scott for aid in providing emergency temporary housing for asylum seekers. Like Chief Page, we know St Johnsbury is a welcoming community. NEKASAN is working with him, Ms. Sewake, the City Council, Customs & Border Protection Service, health and human service agencies, houses of worship, and generous NEK residents to ensure safety and support for asylum seekers, both those passing through and those who wish to become our neighbors.
We hope Gov. Scott and Director Dolan will help us in this shared mission.
Ask about NEKASAN at info@nekasan.org.
Christine James
East Burke
Board member, Northeast Kingdom Asylum Seekers Assistance Network