The eclipse.... We saw it on our way to the facility this morning - we arrive at 6:45 am for meetings beginning at 7:00. I found myself wondering if the women knew about it - whether they get any news from the outside world. Are there radios? TVs? (The two I've seen are either playing children's movies to distract kids while their mothers pour out their hearts, or projecting a tiny image of a judge in Denver who is determining the futures of these families.
Today, I met a woman who was captured before crossing the border and forced into being a sex slave for three months. Twice she crossed, and was told she did not have a credible fear of returning, so was sent out of this country. On the third time, she encountered an interviewer who believed her.
I had a lovely moment with a women and her two teenagers today. I accompanied them while the Asylum Officer delivered his good news - that they had crossed the first threshold, so would not be immediately deported. This woman had never met me, but she threw her arms around me after the officer finished reading the determination and we cried together. I'll never forget the thirty seconds or so when I had understood the officer's pronouncement in English, watching her face while she listened to the telephonic translation. Her daughter was equally excited. Her son (maybe 12), showed no expression. What has he suffered in his short life? What are his fears about staying? about going back?
I met another mother with two sons; the older is about 16, and will be the applicant for asylum, rather than his mother. He speaks fluent English and has quite a history of resisting gang recruitment. The courage in his face and his demeanor!
Thank you for your interest. Please let people know that this is happening.
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