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Giovana herself moved to El Paso, Texas, when she was in fifth grade.th School year. She described her life on the border.
“Life at the border is different than life anywhere else,” Giovana said. She described the beautiful sharing of cultures and relationships that occur in binational communities. Many people commute between the two countries every day.
Part of the network’s purpose is to help individuals move further into the interior of the United States. In most cases, introductions to the network occur in one of three ways: Either Giovana or other Her JRS/USA staff meets individuals in immigrant shelters, domestic or international partners recommend networks, or individuals find Her JRS/USA on their own.
When her schedule allows, Giovana visits migrant shelters along the border to meet with individuals, understand their stories, and figure out how to best serve their specific needs. On one of these visits, she met a young family from Venezuela.
“The people I meet feel like my friends, almost like family,” she explained. She learned that her family was heading to New York City, where several different volunteers were working.
JRS/USA will provide the immigrant with a Legal, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) assessment and liaise with a case manager who will assist in gathering all necessary information. Based on this uptake, individuals are connected with appropriate volunteers in their network.
Giovana described what the first few days are like for immigrants when they arrive in a new city. The top priorities are often clothing, health care, and employment. Once these needs are met, volunteers will accompany individuals on public transportation, enroll their children in school, if applicable, and accompany them to immigration court appearances.
In a new city, volunteers can act as companions and provide a support system according to their abilities. “Even just answering a question or grabbing a cup of coffee can make you feel welcome in the community,” says Giovana.
Discussing the coming years, Giovana said the network is focused on immigrant advocacy, fundraising and getting more legal aid. “Through my work, I have found that the people in the church are truly good people and truly believe in following the way of Jesus Christ.”
The asylum system is at a critical juncture, with Congress proposing restrictive asylum policies in exchange for U.S. overseas funding. You can accompany immigrants and asylum seekers anywhere in the country by clicking here and filling out JRS/USA’s pre-written letter urging policymakers to reject harmful asylum policies. Masu. By sending a message to your legislators, your voice can help establish a more legal pathway for people to safely and humanely rebuild their lives in the United States.
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