As news of a West Texas concentration camp for children weighs heavily on my soul, I have no doubt that I will never think I did enough. We throw ourselves into our daily distractions or convince ourselves that supporting the longterm solutions absolves us of responsibility for the short term suffering. We let the promise of justice eclipse the pain and insecurity of the present moment. As privileged people do...

I have been helping the family of a tormented 5-year old boy who will struggle, as his father fights desperately for asylum and his mother and baby sister become the new targets of violent threats.

Adonias was 5 years old when he was separated for 2 months from his father and was forcibly drugged where he was held. His story made national headlines and remains the subject of active criminal and administrative investigation by local law enforcement and several state and federal agencies. One would think that under these circumstances, his family could readily seek amnesty from our government. Not this government. Following reunification, Adonias' father moved to a state where he has limited support. He also has no work permit to pay for representation in seeking asylum. Meanwhile, Adonias' mother remains in their country of origin with his baby sister, where their dogs have been poisoned, their house robbed, and threats left in notes and by phone of abduction, rape, and other violence.   

Adonias' family may have an opportunity to move to a community where there are many children who were detained with him, who can relate to the whole devastating experience, and where there is a generous offer for excellent low-bono legal representation. His mother and sister could then come as derivatives of his father's asylee status. As a physician and immigrants rights advocate in this space for the last two years, this is among the most troubling cases I have seen. We may in many ways feel disempowered right now. But, in this we have agency. Please help. 

Attorney's fees for asylum: $7,000

Living expenses while waiting for a decision (within 180 days of filing): $12,000 

Family therapy while waiting for a decision: $2,400

100% of donations will go to direct aid for Adonias' family.