Caravan for the Children Launches Phase II of its Campaign

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25 Marzo, 2022

Caravan for the Children Launches Phase II of its Campaign

For over a year, IFR has continued its collaboration with CARECEN, Galeria de la Raza, Chicana/Latina Foundation, and Latinx Racial Equity Project on the Caravan for the Children to advocate for the reunification of immigrant children and families separated from the border. Previously, the Caravan participated in discussion panels, met with legislators, promoted an online petition, hosted an art project for writers and artists to submit works addressing this issue, and marched with immigrant groups in Washington, DC.

On March 25, the Caravan launches Phase 2 of its campaign to Uncage, Reunify and Heal the children.

As of today, more a thousand children remain separated from their families after the current administration campaigned to prioritize their reunification. Over a year has past, and only 100 children have been reunited. As a community that values family and understands the devastating impact this separation has on children, the Caravan knew its work was not over. We knew we must act!

The Caravan has launched a postcard campaign to remind the administration that our children need their attention now. We ask all who believe these immigrant children deserve better and must be reunited with their families to come to one of our drop-off sites to sign one of our postcards with your own personal message. (See drop-off sites below). Let President Biden know we won’t let these children and families be forgotten!

Since we hope to reach a national audience, Caravan for the Children also has an online petition. Please click on the link, sign the petition, and send it to 20 of your family members, coworkers, and friends.

On May 1, a delegation of Caravan organizers will, once again, go to Washington, DC and bring the postcards and petitions to the doors of the President’s Interagency Task Force on the Reunification of Families. We want to flex our collective political muscle and let the administration know the effort to Uncage, Reunify and Heal has broad support in the Latinx community and well beyond.

It was absolutely essential for IFR to be involved in the Caravan for the Children. Every day, IFR staff see the effects of trauma, especially for immigrants, and the adverse impact trauma has on parents and children for years. Our organization exists because we believe “tú eres mi otro you/in lak’ech. The children of immigrant families are as precious and deserving as our very own. As a result, this is our struggle too.

To kick off Phase II of our campaign, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) will host Galeria de la Raza’s exhibit “Pedagogy of Hope: Uncage, Reunify, Heal” on Friday, March 25 at 5:30pm, 701 Mission Street. The exhibit will feature the artistry, written work, and quilted textiles created by Paola de la Calle and several other artists. Postcards can also be picked up here.

Please show your support for separated immigrant families and children! Support the campaign to Uncage, Reunify, Heal by signing the postcards and petition, and getting others to join us!