Keep Thomas* Home
Donation protected
Another member of our community was recently detained and fears imminent deportation back to a country he hasn’t called home for more than 40 years. Because of concerns about retribution if he is deported, he is not comfortable sharing his name or other identifying information, so here he is referred to by a pseudonym, Thomas. Sanctuary DMV is supporting Thomas as he fights to stop his deportation, including raising money to help him and his family cover growing legal fees.
Thomas has lived in the DMV for nearly 30 years. He is the loving father of two children, one of whom he is supporting through college, and he is an integral part of his community. He is an active member of his church, is engaged in local and international politics, and has long welcomed other immigrants to the United States by taking newcomers into his home, helping them navigate complex new systems, and supporting them to build community. Thomas’ pastor describes him this way: “Thomas is a man who upholds spiritual principle and embodies the highest morality. He is an important part of our faith community and of his broader community, and he has for years been working to help himself and other immigrants to survive and thrive in their new home. He belongs here with us -- at home."
Like so many others, he has been working to regularize his immigration status for years, but our broken immigration system has made it all-but impossible for him to do so. After diligently attending regular check ins with ICE over the past several years, Thomas was detained at his last check in and informed he was on a fast track to deportation. Thomas and his family have been fighting to stop this cruel deportation to a country he hasn’t known since he was a child, and a critical part of that effort is his legal case.
The DMV is Thomas’ home, and he is fighting to stay here. Our immigrant neighbors, just like all members of our community, belong wherever they call home. Thomas’ home is right here in the DMV. Please donate as you are able to help our neighbor Thomas stay here with his family and community.
Thomas has lived in the DMV for nearly 30 years. He is the loving father of two children, one of whom he is supporting through college, and he is an integral part of his community. He is an active member of his church, is engaged in local and international politics, and has long welcomed other immigrants to the United States by taking newcomers into his home, helping them navigate complex new systems, and supporting them to build community. Thomas’ pastor describes him this way: “Thomas is a man who upholds spiritual principle and embodies the highest morality. He is an important part of our faith community and of his broader community, and he has for years been working to help himself and other immigrants to survive and thrive in their new home. He belongs here with us -- at home."
Like so many others, he has been working to regularize his immigration status for years, but our broken immigration system has made it all-but impossible for him to do so. After diligently attending regular check ins with ICE over the past several years, Thomas was detained at his last check in and informed he was on a fast track to deportation. Thomas and his family have been fighting to stop this cruel deportation to a country he hasn’t known since he was a child, and a critical part of that effort is his legal case.
The DMV is Thomas’ home, and he is fighting to stay here. Our immigrant neighbors, just like all members of our community, belong wherever they call home. Thomas’ home is right here in the DMV. Please donate as you are able to help our neighbor Thomas stay here with his family and community.
Organizer and beneficiary
Laura Williamson
Organizer
Washington D.C., DC
Laure Fobes
Beneficiary
