Dear friends,

So many of you joined us in supporting our friend, Pastor Steven Tendo, during his detention by ICE earlier this year. You provided moral support, showed up at demonstrations, called legislators, and advocated for Steven’s medical care. You also gave generously to support Steven’s financial needs, both during and after his detention. We’re grateful for your help!

In the months since Steven’s release, several new challenges have appeared. The biggest is that Steven’s work authorization expired and has not yet been renewed by USCIS. This leaves Steven without any form of income, since US employers cannot legally pay him for work until his permit is reinstated. We expect this to take a while even though Sen. Bernie Sanders’s office is working to expedite things.

Until that permit comes through, Steven cannot earn money and has to rely on gifts to stay housed, fed, and medically stable. He is using this time to continue his studies toward licensure as an RN, but pursuing education has expenses too. Beyond that, Steven has to pay for the ongoing legal costs of fighting for the legal right to stay and work in the US and be freed from the constant fear of deportation.

We’re asking for your financial support to help Steven keep moving forward until he is allowed to work again. Will you join us in giving Steven the chance to stay housed, fed, and cared-for, and to continue his education to become an RN, while he’s waiting for his work authorization?

With gratitude,

Alison Nihart and Marybeth Redmond on behalf of Steven’s support team