Hi there,

Over the weekend, I visited Casa del Refugiado in El Paso. It’s a hospitality site converted from a warehouse where migrants can stay once they’ve been processed by immigration authorities. The volunteers there provide meals, medical care, and a place to sleep, and they help the guests arrange their travel to relatives in the U.S.

While I was there, I met families fleeing violence in their home countries. They left the places they grew up in to provide a better and safer life for their children. The stories shared with me -- of the violence they were escaping, and the loved ones they left behind -- were often heartbreaking, but always hopeful. The kids there had so much spirit despite the challenges behind and ahead of them.

These families came here in search of safety and refuge because they believe in the same American dream that makes me so proud to have served this country. I was moved by their stories because, as a mother, I know I would do anything to keep my children safe.

They were so grateful to the people and organizations who had reached out a hand to them, like Annunciation House, which runs hospitality sites including Casa del Refugiado. Annunciation House operates entirely on private donations, and they need our help.

Please make a donation to Annunciation House today, so they can continue their important work helping those seeking refuge.

Their work is critical right now with our border in crisis, but we can’t expect charitable organizations like Annunciation House to carry the full weight of our broken immigration system.

First, our federal government must immediately end the traumatizing treatment at detention centers taking place here in Texas. It’s inhumane, it’s disgraceful, and we have to demand our representatives step up to put a stop to it.

We also need to remember this crisis is a symptom of politicians’ refusal to pass comprehensive immigration reform -- it’s decades overdue, and it’s time they take action.

Until then, please support Annunciation House and the work they’re doing here in Texas.

Thank you,
MJ