Helping Immigrants in a Fearful Time

By Cameron Vickrey

“Immigrants in our communities are afraid. Whether they are recent migrants or have lived here many years, their futures are uncertain. One such immigrant family is now afraid to leave their home, even to buy groceries. Because I want to help, I shop for them, leave the groceries on their doorstep, ring the doorbell, and walk away. It doesn’t even feel safe for me, a citizen, to expose myself as someone serving immigrants.” 

We hear many similar stories to this one from our partners at and near the border. I’ve compiled such stories into one, in what Karen Gonzalez calls a composite story. It is no less true than a direct account, and it protects people for whom sharing personal stories could put them at risk. 

Friends, these are the stories we need to be hearing. We need to understand what are the practical implications from legislation and policies at the state and federal levels. 

Today, as we have just witnessed the passing of the “Big, Beautiful Bill” with its historic anti-immigrant policies, we need to remember stories like the one above. Increased funding for ICE, immigrant detention centers, and the raising of fees for asylum, work permits and temporary protected status have real implications on the lives of already-vulnerable people.

When we hear stories like these, and see unjust laws like this, we think, “What can we do?” 

Fellowship Southwest is raising money to increase our advocacy efforts in response to injustices like these. Give a gift of $100 today and help us raise the voices of those impacted by injustice.