Reading about my country’s anti-human, anti-immigrant policies, practices, and militias has been depressing the hell out of me.
But reading about my state’s communities and leaders has restored my faith in humanity. Thanks, New Mexico.
Governor tours migrant shelters in Las Cruces
BY ANGELA KOCHERGA / JOURNAL STAFF WRITER - LAS CRUCES BUREAU
Thursday, April 25th, 2019 at 11:35pm
Albuquerque Journal
https://www.abqjournal.com/1307361/governor-tours-migrant-shelters-in-las-cruces.html
LAS CRUCES – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Thursday [4/25/19] visited emergency shelters set up to receive migrants dropped off by Border Patrol on a daily basis. The governor stopped at the Crisis Triage Center and San Jose Catholic Church and met with city officials who are managing the humanitarian response with the help of volunteers.
“What I saw today was an open, kind, productive service-oriented atmosphere,” Lujan Grisham said. […]
Her visit came as the Las Cruces City Council, in an emergency meeting, approved an additional $500,000 to help pay for migrant services. In the past two weeks, Las Cruces has received more than 2,100 migrant parents with children. Most are Central Americans seeking asylum.
GOOD FOR YOU, ALBUQUERQUE!
The bright side of this week’s news
By August March
ALIBI V.28 NO.17 • APRIL 25-MAY 1, 2019
https://alibi.com/news/58471/Good-For-You-Albuquerque.html
During the week that culminated in Easter Sunday, the [Albuquerque] Office of Immigant and Refugee Affairs announced that it aided 100 asylum seekers. The City of Albuquerque is providing basic support resources—in conjunction with faith communities across the state, the City of Las Cruces and the community group Indivisible Nob Hill—to make these refugees’ journeys less stressful and more humane.
Last month, Mayor Tim Keller called on all Burqueños to come together in support of these people in our city. In conjunction with Holy Week festivities, Keller noted, “For many of us, it is our faith that guides us to helping others, no matter where you're from, the color of your skin or who you love. Holy Week is a poignant reminder that we must stand for the least among us. These families have traveled thousands of hard miles to legally apply for asylum in our country and to forge a new life for their families. We have seen many Burqueños step up to help in recent weeks by donating and volunteering. Local faith organizations of all types have also stepped up in a huge way and have led the support for these folks on their journey.” Good for you, Albuquerque!
Santa Fe won’t shelter asylum-seekers but plans other aid
BY MEGAN BENNETT / JOURNAL NORTH REPORTER
Thursday, April 25th, 2019 at 11:35pm
Albuquerque Journal
https://www.abqjournal.com/1307393/santa-fe-decides-not-to-help-in-sheltering-migrants.html
SANTA FE – Santa Fe won’t provide shelter for asylum-seekers who have crossed the border in southern New Mexico, after Mayor Alan Webber had said last week the city was preparing to do so.
Instead of processing and temporarily housing asylum-seekers arriving in New Mexico, Webber now says Santa Fe will focus efforts on fundraising and organizing volunteers to help migrants. […]
Because most asylum-seekers are looking to leave the state to get to sponsors in other parts of the country, Albuquerque was considered to be a better central location because of its larger size and more transportation options, Webber said.
Taking migrants to Santa Fe and then transporting them back to Albuquerque for bus or plane service would not be an efficient use of resources, the mayor said.
“In some ways, you have to let your head overrule your heart on this one, because there’s a huge sentiment that we want to be helpful and supportive in a visible way,” Webber told the Journal on Thursday.
He said the city will organize ways to provide money, clothes, blankets, sheets, nonperishable food, personal care items, and other goods, along with recruiting volunteers to help in Albuquerque and Las Cruces.