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Our 9 month series, New Hampshire's Immigration Story explored just that... the vast history of who came to New Hampshire, when they came, why they came, the challenges they faced once they landed on Granite State soil and the contributions that they brought to our state. The Exchange, Word of Mouth, and our News Department looked at the issue of immigration from its first arrivals to the newest refugees calling New Hampshire home.We saw how immigration affects our economy, health care, education system, culture and our current system of law. We also looked at what's going on in New Hampshire today, as we uncovered the groups, societies and little known people who are making an impact all over the state.Funding for NH's Immigration Story is brought to you in part by: New Hampshire Humanities Council, Norwin S. and Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation, The Gertrude Couch Trust0000017a-15d9-d736-a57f-17ff89e10000

Indonesian Immigrants In N.H. Receive Delays to Deportation Amid Uncertainty

Ben Henry for NHPR
Pastor Jon Hopkins of Concordia Lutheran Church addresses an interfaith gathering.

A group of Indonesians in New Hampshire who are facing deportation went before federal immigration officials Friday in Manchester. Many have lived illegally in the US for years under the supervision of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but are now encountering tightened immigration policies under President Trump.

An interfaith group held a vigil outside the federal office building where immigrants were checking in with officials. The gathering of friends and supporters from religious groups across the state sang songs and marched around the building.

More than twenty Indonesian Christians were told earlier this month to report to ICE with plane tickets back to their home country, where they fear religious persecution. On Friday, three of those families complied, unsure whether they would be detained or permitted to stay.

One family was told they could stay until at least March. The other two families were told to check in again in a matter of weeks.

Pastor Jon Hopkins of Concordia Lutheran Church led the vigil, and said, "we still have to be vigilant, because I don’t think it’s over. They have to come back in March, we have to come back in March.”

In coming weeks, more members of the Christian Indonesian community in New Hampshire will undergo similar visits, plane tickets in hand, and others will report for regular check-ins with ICE. 

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