Humanity Is Here

In times where so many of us struggle against becoming numb from the onslaught of depressing news headlines, we have found hope and courage here at the border, from listening to the dreams of the migrants themselves, witnessing their perseverance and fortitude in putting up with untenable situations, and from the many people and organizations who have dedicated enormous amounts of time and energy to help them. Here are just a few of the people who are making a huge difference in the lives of others:

Lizee, Ginny and Susan from the Angry Tias and Abuelas. This small group, whose mission was first to provide logistical and humanitarian aid to refugees after they were released from detention is now supporting this community of about 2500 refugees in a smattering of tents stretching out on a narrow muddy plateau above the Rio Grande. They work with a number of private NGO and Mexican government agencies to keep people fed, clothed, and healthy, and to assist them in their interactions with various governments.

Gabi, Charlene, Luis and Santos from the Resource Center in Matamoros: This small rabbit warren of a building across the street from the refugee camp is always filled with people spilled out on the sidewalk waiting for legal help in building their asylum cases. The Resource Center also takes people to the local hospital when their medical issues can’t be resolved by the small medical trailer in the encampment. They have a small “survival center” of donated clothing and toiletries. And to make life less bleak, they run yoga classes and arts workshops. I’m thrilled that three of us will be offering our workshop on Somos Como Las Nubes, a beautiful illustrated book of poems by Jorge Argueta that we did at La Escuelita last Sunday. After discussing the poetry and how it resonated with their own lives, we asked the participants to respond to a poem with their own words, hopes and dreams.

Richard from Justice for our Neighbors. A former ICE attorney, Richard told us how the current administration’s draconian laws, which make it nearly impossible for anyone to claim asylum successfully, made him decide he couldn’t continue in his job. He bought a smaller house for his family of 7 children and accepted a position with this non-profit group that offers legal advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers. They are trying to expand their efforts by recruiting legal and non-legal professionals to help prepare cases, so please check them out if you are able.

Josh Rubin from Witness at the Border. Every time we cross the bridge from Matamoros, we see Josh and others bearing witness. We are happy to be participating in the upcoming weekend of witnessing Amor, No Odio, February 14-17, where en masse we will say no to policies that separate our fellow humans from their families and put their lives at risk.