My pacemaker is currently operating at a mere 4%. This Mother’s Day may very well be my last. Regrettably, I won’t be able to share it with my only son, who has been held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for nearly a year and a half. As a result, he has been separated from his wife, son, and newborn baby, with no clear indication of when we might reunite.
Back in December, my son, my expectant daughter-in-law, and my young grandson crossed into California after fleeing Guatemala to escape threats from drug cartels. We were detained almost immediately and separated from one another. My son was taken to Georgia, I was held in California, and my daughter-in-law ended up in Washington, D.C., where she gave birth to my second grandchild, a U.S. citizen.
Although I was eventually released to be with my daughter-in-law and grandchildren, my asylum application and my son’s bond have both been denied, and we lack the means to challenge these decisions. I’ve applied for a work permit that would allow me to undergo surgery to fix my heart, but that too has been delayed. Without the surgery, my chances of surviving another year are slim.
Sadly, my story is not an isolated one. Hundreds of families have faced similar separations since last summer. It’s devastating to witness the heartache endured by children who have suffered at the hands of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Despite this, I have taken on the role of advocate for my son and others in similar predicaments. I have participated in public demonstrations on Capitol Hill and at local community centers, where I met Clara, a mother of three, who has sought sanctuary since last December. She made the difficult choice to remain in the U.S. instead of returning to Mexico to renew her asylum application, all to keep her American-born children close.
Clara desires what every mother wants: to nurture and protect her children. She has tirelessly reached out to local and national politicians for help. Her children have even visited the offices of Senators to deliver heartfelt letters pleading for assistance. The strength she has shown is remarkable, but there remains no certainty regarding her future in this country. If she is deported, this could also be her final Mother’s Day with her kids.
At times, I feel utterly helpless knowing that I cannot assist my son, who has endured 16 months of detention, nor can I financially support my daughter-in-law, who I currently live with. We came to this country seeking a better life, yet we feel just as vulnerable here as we did in Guatemala.
Once a child enters this world, every mother hopes to secure a brighter future for her family. Each night, I pray for those in power, asking that judges be given the discretion to assess each case fairly, granting me the chance to see my son free. The trauma we’ve experienced — along with other migrant families — may never heal due to the prevailing immorality and animosity. It is my fervent hope that elected officials will choose to invest in love and family unity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Mother’s Day serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles many families face. For more on home insemination, check out this at-home insemination kit guide, and for a delicious way to support your health during this challenging time, try these flavorful Thai lettuce wraps. For more information on fertility and related topics, visit Medical News Today.