John,

I just returned from a week in El Paso where I gathered with other organizers and volunteers to do what we've worked so hard for since founding Families Belong Together: reunite families and welcome people with dignity, compassion, and care. 

As an organizer, I'm used to navigating uncertainties and working with dedicated partners to support thousands of families and children who've languished in border tents in Mexico since the Trump administration gutted our asylum system. 

And as an undocumented woman myself, I know firsthand what it means to feel welcome in the place you call home--and to feel fearful that it could be taken away at any moment because of our broken immigration system. 

Despite all of this, I wasn't prepared for the overwhelming joy. 

In my line of work, it's not every day you get to see the upside behind everything we fight for. Because of supporters like you and our coalition of partners, I witnessed the first embrace of a husband and wife who had been torn apart for years. I saw their tears as I was met with mine, and their smiles behind the glint of a bouquet of balloons that read "welcome home."

On another volunteer shift, I saw a group of men who formed an unlikely bond over their shared experience in Juarez where they had awaited entry into the United States for years--together. As they passed through the processing center, they lingered a while to say bittersweet farewells before making their separate journeys. 

Through all of this, I felt the joy of finally being reunited, safe, and welcomed. I left feeling hopeful that we can and we will do what's right at our border and within our own country. 

To the resilient people who were able to make a safe entry: I welcome you. We welcome you. 

Join me in continuing to welcome families and children and doing everything in our power to ensure a fair and humane path to citizenship for people like myself who have built a home here. We have the power, resources, and know-how to do what's right at the border and in our communities. 

To joy and the hope that we can forge ahead with bold and brave solutions. 

Cheska Mae Perez, Organizer and DACA recipient 
Families Belong Together