Sister Maris Stella Korb: Remember the “Cass 23”

To the Editor:

Remember the “Cass 23?”  These were 23 men from India trafficked by a company called “Signal International.” Their experiences in ND began when they went to work constructing an ethanol plant near Casselton and after many months of work were arrested the very day after the plant was completed!  They served 70 days in Cass County Jail and were released on January 6, 2009.
Surely these men are now happily working and sending bundles of cash back to India each month, right?  WRONG!  Nothing has changed!  Despite repeated court hearings and endless deadlines that just keep moving forward, nothing happens.  Presently they are awaiting their T-Visas; i.e., visas granted to victims of trafficking.  Without these, they are not allowed to be employed.
Most frustrating is the dismissive silence and interminable waiting that invariably follows any plea for assistance from either government or court officials. Information they have been given is that they will not be needed as witnesses in the case of Signal International.

There is a “case?”  Skepticism is high that a corporation as powerful as “Signal” has even been investigated!
People who have come to know the “Cass 23” will attest to their strong work ethic and admire the patience with which they wait for the opportunity to earn an income so they can send money back to their families – the only reason for which they came to this country in the first place!  Meanwhile they need continuing support to endure a tortuously slow process that produces more confusion and disappointment than it does hope.
When October rolls around they will no longer have the financial support Lutheran Social Services has thus far been able to provide.  The grant given them by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to provide housing will also be gone.  Their future looks devastatingly stark!  A light, anyone?

Sister Maris Stella Korb
Presentation Peace & Justice
Fargo