Dear John,
I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe. These are uncertain times, and no one knows that better than the asylum seekers at our southern border, who face ever greater risks from the coronavirus pandemic as they take refuge in overcrowded camps and shelters – all to avoid returning to violence in their homelands.
We recently worked with a man and his 8-year-old daughter, who traveled to the border at El Paso for a long-awaited asylum hearing. But the family was forced to reschedule for a court date several months away, and in the meantime, was left to wait in Mexico where they’d already experienced targeted violence.
In situations like these, the assistance that HIAS provides is essential to asylum seekers’ ability to defend themselves and advocate for their rights. Legal support can make the difference between a successful application and one that is denied, and we are working around the clock to connect our pro bono lawyers with those who need them most.
We understand this is a difficult time, but if you can make a gift now, it will provide lifesaving assistance to asylum seekers and refugees. Please, will you make a gift of $18 to support asylum seekers facing impossible choices as they work to build lives in safety and freedom?
Long wait times are not uncommon for asylum seekers. And as so many court dates are postponed due to COVID-19, thousands of displaced people face kidnapping, extortion and coronavirus exposure in crowded shelters or makeshift tent camps as their already long waits get even longer. But despite the conditions, many stay because the risk of returning to their homelands is far too great.
HIAS will never stop extending a hand of welcome to people who have left everything they know in search of freedom and safety. But we can’t keep up this vital assistance alone, so we hope you’ll consider pitching in today:
Thank you for stepping up for those who need you.
With gratitude,
Sue Kenney-Pfalzer
Director, Border & Asylum Network
