The topic of sanctuary has long been a consistent theme for those of us involved in community issues, especially as we face the new realities of the current sociopolitical environment.
By Benjamin Martinez, Grants and Programs Assistant
The topic of sanctuary has long been a consistent theme for those of us involved in community issues, especially as we face the new realities of the current sociopolitical environment.
I recently attended an event hosted by OUT Boulder County, the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, and A Queer Endeavor that provided a refreshing perspective on how the theme of sanctuary can apply to anyone who’s feeling especially marginalized or threatened. It was powerful to see these various organizations with seemingly disparate missions coming together to recognize their common struggles.
The presenters were a diverse group, and discussions focused on how the broken immigration system has impacted immigrants differently, depending on their various identities (i.e., country of origin, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, etc.).
For example, Donia Hanaei – whose parents are Iranian immigrants and American citizens – explained the terrible situation that the travel ban created for her family when her grandmother was forbidden from entering the United States within months of one daughter’s college graduation. And Maria Mercedes Garcia, originally from Mexico, told the story of how her husband’s deportation has left her to raise their three citizen daughters on her own.
Despite such different experiences and backgrounds, one underlying theme stood out in my mind: How deportation and the threat of deportation impact the daily lives of our immigrant communities, and how this threat creates a culture of fear for those living with these realities.
When I think about sanctuary, I consider what kind of community I envision for myself and my neighbors – and what kind of community we want to create together. I want to live in a community where people do not live in fear, due to the very real threats we consistently hear about, both locally and nationally. Donia concluded her speech with a quote from the famous Persian poet, Rumi, which continues to resonate with me: “Remember, the entrance to sanctuary is within you.”
I hope you’ll join me in creating an inclusive community that values all of its members and provides refuge and safety for those who need it.
Thanks to Donia Hanaei for her contribution to this post.
