Border Compassion in Action

Border Compassion in Action

Early this year, a group of St. Ignatius and St. Agnes parishioners traveled to Mexicali, Mexico, to volunteer with Border Compassion, which helps migrants on both sides of the border. While our parishioners were working at a shelter, they met César and his family, who had escaped from a dangerous situation in Venezuela.

César and his wife, Daniella, left their home and took their young daughters, Alahia and Angela, on a hazardous, four-month journey in search of security. (Read a description of crossing the Darien Gap, just part of their journey, from the Council on Foreign Relations.) Through the generosity, creativity and hard work of our volunteers and some parishioners back home, the young family arrived in San Francisco in late January, sponsored by our parish as they seek asylum. 

After a few months in San Francisco, César, Daniella and their daughters are thriving and taking advantage of many opportunities. 

The family continues to live in a warm and caring home with a longtime San Francisco resident who has an extra bedroom in her house in the Sunset District. They are on a waiting list with an organization that might be able to provide a larger living space. 

César and Daniella recently exchanged formal wedding vows and obtained identification cards — two steps toward improving their claim to gaining permission to remain in the United States. They meet regularly with their pro bono attorney, and a hearing before an asylum judge is scheduled in January. 

César continues to work as a house painter. Now that the weather has improved, he is working more steadily — often six days a week! Daniella has picked up some sporadic employment. Both parents are taking ESL classes in the evening. 

Alahia is thrilled to be attending preschool at St. Anne’s Parish. She is making new friends and quickly learning English. Angela, who recently turned 1, has begun to walk. 

Daniella and Alahia have birthdays in May so there will be more chances to celebrate with their new friends in San Francisco. 

If you would like to support César, Daniella and the girls, please send a check to the Solidarity Committee at St. Ignatius Parish and earmark it to the Sanctuary Fund.