No justice this holiday

A holiday letter from Movimiento Cosecha, an immigrant-led movement fighting for permanent protection, dignity, and respect for the undocumented community.

As many families celebrate together today, I am also thinking of those, like mine, that can’t do so — because they have been separated.

I am thinking of parents who are apart from their children right now because they can’t afford to miss a day of work.

I am thinking about families that have been torn apart by borders and walls. Immigrants, like me, who have gone more than a decade without being able to visit loved ones in our home countries.

I am thinking of the thousands of parents and children spending the holiday in a refugee shelter, detention center, or Greyhound bus station.

Particularly, I am thinking of the family of Jakelin Amei Rosmery Caal Maquin, who died last month in Border Patrol custody.

I am thinking of the family of the 8-year-old Guatemalan boy who died this morning in Border Patrol custody.

Tonight, I will cherish the family that I am able to be with and think of one last thing: my hope for a more just, less painful 2019.

My hope for an immigrant movement that will demand the basic dignity and respect that our people are denied every day in this country we call home. My hope that we will we keep fighting together, and we will win.

I wish that same hope for you and your loved ones, too.

In solidarity,
Alejandra Cruz

P.S. My family is chipping in $20 tonight to sustain our hope for 2019. Click here if you would like to join us and make a contribution.