Migration is a reality very close to my life. As the daughter of immigrants, I know what we mean when we say the United States is a ‘country of immigrants,’ because it truly is.

But from Minneapolis to New York City to here in El Paso, the crisis of mass deportations and mass detention is affecting us all. These are our community members, our parishioners, our friends and our families. This is not a distant reality. It’s closer than ever.

And as a Catholic and person of faith, this response is even more urgent.

The Hope Border Institute has been mobilizing and supporting faith leaders and communities here in El Paso and across the country to mobilize the Church’s response in support of our migrant brothers and sisters. HOPE has been on the frontlines locally, providing critical humanitarian aid to migrant populations in El Paso and Ciudad Juárez. HOPE has been living out the Gospel day after day, responding to the needs of those near and far.

This work is personal. It affects me, my community and those I love. I ask for your support this El Paso Giving Day to continue our work, the work that requires all of us.

Gracias por su apoyo.

Un abrazo, Astrid