Fatoumata is a lovely young woman from West Africa I've been mentoring, and advocating for, since the fall. I have also helped her apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) which she was granted last week. Having SIJS will prevent any prolonged detention by ICE, in case she ever gets picked up. Her asylum case will be fast tracked, and hopefully she will be able to get a green card sometime within the next 2-5 years.

I went to the refugee and undocumented migrant clinic at a church in NYC as soon as it became clear that no one was going to stop ICE from abducting immigrants. I felt that it was my duty, as a successful child of immigrants, to do as much as I could to help this community. Advocating for Fatoumata as she navigates working full time, obtaining pre-natal care and following up with all of her immigration appointments is the perfect volunteer "job" for me. Plus we like to hang out.

When she was 17, Fatoumata migrated to the US from Guinea, traveling through nine countries to escape a life of severe poverty and abuse. She announced herself at the southern border as an asylum seeker and was paroled. She now lives in a shelter and works legally as a home health aide.

After crossing the border into Arizona, Fatoumata met fellow Guinean, Mamady. She had been friends with his mother back in Guinea. This Gofundme is being set up to help Fatoumata and Mamady welcome their first child at the end of June. She will move in with him next week to prepare for their new life together.

The new family will face challenges most of us cannot comprehend, all the while working hard to provide a better life for their child. I have already received donations of many things they will need to begin their journey to parenthood (bassinet, car seat, breast pump, bottles, clothes), but they could still use some help with living expenses. Fatoumata will have to take time off to take care of the baby.

Thank you so much for considering a donation to these hardworking, loving and hopeful young people.