Asylum Seeker Settlement

A family of five asylum seekers have recently been allowed to re-enter the United States. This family fled violence in Guatemala and arrived at the southern border of the United States over 18 months ago. Rather than being allowed safe passage and protection, they, and thousand other asylum seeking families, have been forced to live on the streets of Mexican border towns while they go through the American asylum process. They have lived for two years in donated tents, exposed to searing heat, freezing snow, hurricane, and a pandemic. On top of that they have withstood constant threats of kidnapping, burglary, and murder in a city categorized by the US State Department as Stage 4 “no go zone” ( comparable to Syria, Iraq and Somalia).

I am brought to my knees by the strength, bravery, and grace of these families who refused to give up. I have never seen anyone more dedicated to the pursuit of peace, justice and safety than the asylum seekers in Migrant Protection Protocol, or MPP/Remain in Mexico. For two years they have remained committed to the idea of America as a place where human dignity, opportunity, and peace. We have all been ashamed of the way our nation was laid bare by fear, hatred, and fascism. However, today is a day of catharsis and healing as humanity wins the day. We will spend years and lifetimes repairing the damage that was done in our name. Today is a day when the dream of America shines in the hearts of families like this one. The tired, the poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free arrived and finally we lifted a lamp beside the golden door. I am honored to have them as neighbors and partners in this glorious experiment that is America.

This family has arrived in the United States but is still displaced. They are hoping to make a fresh start in a  community, in a home, under a roof, behind a door. The family is ready to work, to go to school, to go to church, and to begin supporting themselves. Unfortunately, the transition period can be daunting and leave asylum seekers impoverished and alone. This family has been through  more than enough and needs support form a community. If you have any resources to contribute to the rent, clothing, food, and transportation of this family, please do. 

Thank you for lifting the lamp beside golden door. 
Claire