Melissa and her children, who arrived in Berkeley and First Church in 2020 from Honduras after escaping a dangerous situation, won their petition for asylum this week! That means she can continue her new life here. What a blessing!
At the San Francisco Immigration Court on Wed., Feb. 19, 2025 Melissa provided testimony before a federal immigration judge, the final step in a long asylum-seeking process. About 30 folks from First Church Berkeley and the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity attended the court proceeding to support Melissa in this ordeal. By the end of an hour and having reviewed numerous documents of evidence, the judge issued her decision that Melissa faced persecution in Honduras if she returned and therefore granted her asylum here.
First Church folks had formed “an accompaniment team” back in 2020 to help Melissa and her family find their bearings after their escape and arrival here. The team helped Melissa secure temporary housing and medical care and enroll her children in school. They often shared meals together and babysat for the children, becoming close friends. Now the church’s new friends will continue to be close by!