We rejoice with Karina, Jorge and daughter Melany who were granted asylum here on May 9, four years after fleeing the gangs in their beloved El Salvador. Another family member was granted her asylum earlier this year. These four people are part of the families from El Salvador seeking asylum who have lived at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, our Sanctuary Hub partner. In this uncertain time for immigrants, we are thrilled that their attorney from NWIRP (Northwest Immigrant Rights Project) was able to get the needed evidence to prove their case in Seattle Immigration Court. We learned after the hearing that the judge in this case has denied 80% of the asylum cases he hears!

Your financial support for the Plymouth Immigration Ministry Team and your prayers are part of what has sustained this extended family during these four years. We also have tutored them in English, gone on social outings as well as grocery shopping and doctors’ appointments, helped with getting them into school and daycare, provided clothing and holiday gifts, and many other things. It takes a village to successfully navigate life as an immigrant family in Seattle. They are so grateful! Although they will continue to need some help from us, they no longer must check in with ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) nor live with the daily fear of being deported.

There are 3 more families from El Salvador seeking asylum whom we are helping to support at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. Thank you, Plymouth, for making this financially possible, as well as helping the Afghan family. The Immigration Ministry Team meets on Zoom on the first Wednesday of each month and all are welcome. -Carol Mooney