We strongly oppose re-detention and government-funded repatriation, which separates families and robs children of their future!

Statement

Currently, APFS allows undocumented immigrant families to stay together in Japan without being separated.
We are running a "Family Together! Campaign" to encourage families to enjoy it together.
In May of this year, the United States implemented a policy to separate undocumented immigrant families, drawing fierce criticism both domestically and internationally.
Following this, they were forced to withdraw their decision. In Japan, too, families (couples) who are undocumented immigrants are now being separated.
In addition, there has been an increase in re-detention and immediate deportation. In the past few months since August of this year, APFS members have been...
However, there were four cases of re-detention, and three of those were immediately repatriated at government expense. So many in such a short period of time.
The continued immediate deportation is unusual.

Detention is painful not only for the individuals involved but also for their families. The concept of "indefinite detention" is problematic.
In Japan, where laws are in place, both those involved and their families are under immense stress due to the uncertainty of the future.
The deportation is carried out without informing the family, friends, or supporters of the person involved, and even the person involved is unaware of it on the day of the deportation.
They were notified the day before and were taken from the detention facility to the airport without being able to say goodbye to anyone.
They are sent back without anyone knowing. Some of the people involved have not returned to their home country for over 20 years.
Not knowing what to do, I arrived at the airport and, with the little money I had, I tearfully called my family in Japan.
Some have spoken to me. Even elementary school students born and raised in Japan have been deported, and they only speak Japanese.
The child's future is uncertain; it's unclear whether they'll be able to attend a local school.

Among those repatriated were Japanese spouses, leaving behind Japanese husbands and wives who experienced a sudden separation.
I am at a loss. A Japanese husband has a chronic illness and could collapse at any moment, so his wife
It's a dangerous situation if someone isn't nearby.

Thus, having all settled in Japanese society and formed families, the possibility of escape was not met.
Furthermore, detaining such individuals would be inhumane from an international perspective, and even more so if their families...
Deporting a married couple and separating them is a clear violation of international human rights law.

We at APFS believe that such barbaric acts are commonplace in Japan and have been accelerating recently.
I am outraged by this and resolutely oppose and protest the unnecessary detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants at government expense.

October 26, 2018

ASIAN PEOPLE'S FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY (Non-Profit Organization)
Representative: Mayumi Yoshida