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Jeanette Vizguerra, the undocumented mother of four who took sanctuary in First Unitarian Society of Denver, Colorado, in February walked out of the church last Friday after being granted a two-year stay of deportation. "It's a special day for me because I will be able to celebrate Mother's Day with my children and grandchildren," Vizguerra said in a press conference held outside the congregation. (Time – 5.12.17)
More coverage:
“Feds grant Jeanette Vizguerra, Arturo Hernandez Garcia stays of deportation” (Denver Post – 5.11.17)
“Jeanette Vizguerra, la inmigrante reconocida por la revista Time, saldrá de la iglesia donde está refugiada en Denver” (Univision – 5.12.17)
More stories of UUs supporting immigrants in their communities
The Rev. Shelley Page of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ogden, Utah, helped initiate a recent proposal for the Ogden City Council to release a statement affirming their support for immigrant families in their community. In crafting the initiative the representatives avoided making any suggestion that Ogden is a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants “because that’s putting a target on your back,” observed Page. (Standard-Examiner – 5.11.17)
Despite vocal opposition during nearly two hours of public comment, Orange County, California, supervisors voted to expand the county’s contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, citing the additional revenue it would bring to the area. “Shame on us for seeking financial gain by putting innocent women and men behind bars,” said the Rev. Kent Doss, minister of Tapestry Unitarian Universalist congregation, who was in attendance. (Voice of OC – 5.10.17)
Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist in Carbondale, Colorado, is joining with interfaith and immigrants’ rights groups in the community to hold an interfaith vigil on Mother’s Day to bring light to and show support for the families who have been separated by the immigration system. The congregation is expected to announce plans to offer sanctuary in the Roaring Fork Valley. (Post-Independent – 5.11.17)