I'm not one to quote scripture, but my mom used to quote that verse. As I recall, it was a reference to the help that comes from God. Today, it popped into my head (which, admittedly, is in an altered state from sleep deprivation) with a twist.
A big, burly ICE officer came rushing into our hut today, pleading with me to make time to see a woman not on our very packed schedule for the day. He explained that her OWN country's consulate had just informed her that it would cost her $15,000 in legal fees to fight for asylum, so she might as well come home, and that they had a seat on a plane for her on Friday. Could we please assure her that we would help her?
Of course, we met with her. The officer brought her in; she was sobbing, and her 8 year old daughter was trying to hold things together. I held her for a while, trying to smile over her shoulder at her little girl who was so confused, but smiling at me My wonderful Spanish-speaking colleagues assured her that the AILA project would represent her for free at least during the early parts of defending herself from removal. We will see her again this week to get her case going.
My mother's quote came to me, as I thought of this lovely mother, trying to do the best she can do for her daughter, having gone through hell to get this far, and then being told by OUR country that she cannot stay, and being told by her own dangerous country that she cannot afford to stay and should give up and return home. From whence cometh HER help?
I hope that today was the beginning of a warm, helpful embrace by this country, despite the obstacles she will surely encounter.
Tearful. You are where you need to be for now.
ReplyDelete