Virginians embrace Asylum seekers

Latest

Tara Orlanda.

 
Editor’s note: The People’s Tribune’s Lisa King interviewed Tara Orlanda of Floyd Friends of Asylum Seekers in Virginia, about her group’s work.
“What motivated me is that I watched helplessly the news of the caravan heading towards our border from South and Central America. A friend had joined the caravan and was posting live streams of interactions between asylum seekers and locals along the way. It was beautiful to see how folks along the route would post signs such as, ‘We have a hammock in the back yard you can use to take a rest, or baskets of food left out that said ‘take what you need.’ It was inspiring to witness the love strangers were offering these desperate people.
“I met numerous asylum seekers in January. In February, I personally prepared home cooked hot meals for 84 asylum seekers. I started a Facebook group hoping to find other folks interested in assisting. Thirty + folks joined our group in the first couple of days. In March we served 204 asylum seekers. In April, 435, May, 492, June, 510, and July, 534. Our Floyd Friends of Asylum Seekers Facebook group has 356 members worldwide. It grows every day.
“Our vision is to create a safe, nurturing space for families of asylum seekers in Floyd County. We are extending a warm welcome to our South and Central American neighbors who are fleeing conflict, discrimination and unspeakable horrors. This is a labor of love and it has been a privilege and an honor to be part of the solution. It is truly heart warming to know there are so many in our community who are interested in giving a helping hand to our southern neighbors.”

+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

2 COMMENTS

  1. An eye-opening, realignment of heart and mind: I received much more than I gave the few days I volunteered with Tara’s group. Much more valuable a priority for creating peace and international trust than drones, teargas, bombs, tariffs In the foreign policy that is yours the perpetuation of “the ugly American.”

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Pregnant Teen Died: Seeks Care in Three Texas Emergency Rooms

Nevaeh Crain cried in pain, too weak to walk, blood staining her thighs. Vomiting and feverish at her baby shower, the teen went to two different emergency rooms, returning home, worse than before. Pregnant women have become untouchables.

No, Immigration Is Not Making Housing Less Affordable

Despite politicians' claims to the contrary, immigration is not making housing unaffordable. In fact, immigration can be part of the solution.

Make Your Vote Count 

This 2024 election is gaining on us and the pressure to get to the ballot box is intense and...

Michigan’s Prescient Lesson: Vote While You Still Can!!! 

Michigan's non-elected Emergency Manager dictatorship made Flint's water crisis possible. Pay attention to the danger of losing our Democratic rights as we’ve known them in this election. Vote while you still can!

US Doctors Tell Biden, Harris They ‘Witnessed Crimes Beyond Comprehension’ in Gaza

US doctors who visited Gaza tell Biden, Harris they've never seen such horrific injuries, on such a massive scale, with so few resources, that our bombs are cutting down women and children, and that a ceasefire must be imposed.

More from the People's Tribune