The number of family separations and children left without parents is increasing. Just last week, the Trump administration announced the creation of a “tent city” outside of El Paso, TX that would house between 1,000-5,000 kids.
Photo: RGV-FCB/Center for Border Protection
My tears over the last few days have been similar to the tears that have fallen when I see black people shot just because of the color of their skin or for no reason by police. When minorities are disproportionately jailed for minor crimes. When kids are killed in their schools or at concerts. All happening under an administration who is leading the charge at fanning flames of selfishness and hate.
What is happening now at the southern border is absolutely cruel. We are all human beings. This is a humanitarian crisis.
I cried to my best of friend AM over the phone yesterday about this immigration tragedy and she simply said, “Stop crying and do something.” She instructed me to find out how to donate money, go and protest, write to my senator, donate my legal services. Do something, don’t cry. It was weird… I am totally resourceful normally and for some reason I felt completely confused on how to help in this situation. Now I am not.
In conversation with my sister DS about this situation, she and I both concluded that I have a platform with my design blog — and no, this is not turning into a political website — but I do have to stand up and use my voice for what I believe is right. And I encourage you to do the same in your own lives.
Within the last six weeks, an estimated 2,000 migrant children have been separated from their parents. This is a new practice as a result of the administration’s “zero-tolerance” immigration policy, announced on May 7. There are at least 100 shelters in 17 states, with more than 11,000 children currently in detention.
Photo: Getty Images
For those of you that might say, why didn’t you stand up before when it was about black people being killed. Just know, I have stood up, I stand up now, and I will continue to stand up against discrimination of black people. I stand up and speak my voice as of late almost everyday as an African American woman. I am sad to say that I still experience crazy racist situations regularly. I know what we have been through and I know what I need to do to help.
I also acknowledge that I need to do more. Today is the day I begin doing even more by encouraging others to get informed and get involved with helping.
Many have been trying to figure out how to help these kids and their families. If you’ve been feeling helpless in this situation like me, here is a list of actions you can right now:
- Personally, I have donated a good chunk of money to the ACLU. One thing you may not know about me is that I am licensed attorney. I do not practice law, but I take the law very seriously. I know lawyers get a strange rap for some odd reason, but these are the people who are on the ground fighting and doing what is right. That’s why I chose to give to lawyers in these crisis situations. You can donate by clicking here.
- Call you reps. You can find out who represents you in Congress by clicking here. The ACLU has also put together a script of what you can say, which you can access by clicking here.
- Ask your Senator to sign on to co-sponsor S.3036, a bill that would make it illegal to take children from parents at the border.
- Indivisible and Families Belong Together have been organizing protests and rallies. See if there’s one near you by clicking here.
- The Texas Civil Rights Project is looking for volunteers, especially those who speak Spanish. You can donate your time or money by clicking here.
- Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES) is the largest immigration nonprofit in Texas that provides free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrants. Get involved by clicking here.
- Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights advocates for many of the separated and unaccompanied children.
It’s time for us to stop crying and do something. The children are counting on us.
xo,
It is truly disgusting what it happening in our country and to these families. Thank you so much for sharing the links as I would like to
“ do something “ as well and this makes it easier. Xo
Yay Sally! You are the best. I know you must feel deeply about this as an amazing mom to your lovely kids. xoxo
Well said. I, too, was distraught and realized I had to contribute. $$ was my choice, but even though my blog and Instagram are low-key, mostly for family and friends, I’m committed to keeping these issues front and center. And, I’m talking about this travesty to everyone I encounter. I encourage you to speak truth.
Good for you Marilyn! We have to speak up when things are just wrong.
Good for you for using your platform to spread a very important message. I really appreciate you giving us actionable ways to help this political crisis.
You are welcome. My best friend gets full credit for splashing cold water on my face and telling me to act and to not just be sad. Thank you for your nice comment!
Interesting suggestions. Do you have any suggestions about what can be done to address the millions of American citizens of color who have been separated from their children in America’s prison industrial complex since the Clinton administration? Or is the sentiment that non-American citizens should be the main priority at this time and Americans can overcome some day? I”m most annoyed by the fake outrage of the cruelty that has been prevalent in this country for quite some time. Yet things don’t seem to be getting better for some families.
Yes it all is not recognizable anymore what is happening south of our border. So unbelievably shocking. We are watching with an ope mouth here from Canada. All the power to you Coco.