Today we are offering you an inside look at a conversation we had with Eva, a woman who migrated to Nogales to seek asylum with her son. When she was turned away at the border under Title 42, she became a member of the Revolucionarios, helping to mobilize migrants in Nogales. After nine months, she was able to begin the asylum process.
Kino: Hi Eva. Thank you so much for sitting down with us. Would you tell us a little bit about how you came to be at Kino in Nogales?
Eva: Yes. First, my name is Eva and I’m 26 years old. Originally I am from Veracruz, Mexico. Honestly, I thought that I would live there forever. I had a job that I liked that paid me well and supported me and my family really well. Then one day, something really bad happened to my family that torpedoed all of the plans for my future. Instead, I had to leave and seek asylum.
Kino: That’s so difficult. I know that you had to leave and that you faced a lot of challenges here in Nogales, too.
Eva: It was tough. I didn’t know anyone and the way of life here is very different than in the South of Mexico. The food is different. The cost of living is high. It’s been incredibly difficult to get my son into school so he can further his education. That’s why I really felt like it was God who made sure I got connected to Kino.
Kino: An angel?
Eva: I call her an angel. When I arrived in Nogales, it was dawn. I was alone with my son in the bus center, and I didn’t have any idea where to go. A woman came to me and asked if I was alright. When I told her I didn’t know anyone, she brought me to her own house and then brought me to Kino. She wasn’t a staff member, not even a volunteer. She just lives in Nogales and knew about what Kino does.
Kino: That’s amazing! How did you get involved with the Revolucionarios?
Eva: I first came to a meeting in May. I saw a flier saying that they were looking for new members. My friend was in the group already, and I came to a meeting to get involved. After a few months, Sr. Tracey asked if I would take more of a leadership role. At first, I was very uncertain. I thought “who, me?” After talking with her and the others, I realized that I had learned a lot and had grown a lot, too.
Kino: What are some of the things you learned?
Eva: First off, I learned that I can be a public speaker. At first I was very nervous, but now it doesn’t bother me. I’ve grown in my confidence as a leader, too. I helped to organize the march for migrant dignity on September 26. Seeing everyone come together – far more people than we expected, and seeing everyone unified and cheering was powerful. It was my first time organizing, and it went incredibly well. It showed me how many people are in this struggle for migrant dignity. It showed me that we’re here to help each other if someone is in need, and that we can do it with enthusiasm.
Kino: That march was an inspiration to us all. What do you think comes next for you and for the Revolucioarios?
Eva: Next is the fact that we all need to keep fighting against Title 42 and other forms of discrimination. We cannot stop until these laws are changed and until they hear us, because seeking asylum is a right. We need to encourage each other, because I know that we all have our down moments where we doubt. But we cannot give up.
Kino: You’re also about to cross the border, is that correct?
Eva: [voice breaks] Yes, my moment has finally come. I feel so proud, because I raised my voice, and now I’m going with my son. And I’m going to keep supporting every person who is still here. When these restrictions are lifted, it’s going to be because our voices have lifted them.
Kino: That is a beautiful image. Are there other people or images that you’re carrying with you into this next horizon?
Eva: I’m carrying beautiful memories from Kino with me. The comedor felt like I was in my own home. I’m bringing my faith – God gives me strength. My son gives me strength, too. Everything I’ve done has been for his future, and I know he’s watching everything I’m doing. When we were at the march together, I told him, “This fight is for everyone, and it’s for us, too.” My fellow Revolucionarios and migrants give me strength, too. To them I say, “Don’t surrender.”
Kino: La lucha sigue. What would you want to say to others in the US?
Eva: To the US public, I would say that it’s time to lift Title 42. Give us a chance to ask for asylum. To those who support us, I would say to keep supporting us. To everyone I would say that this fight will only continue and we will not give up. God is at our side helping, and He lights our way.
Shortly after this interview, Eva and her son were released into the US while their asylum case wends its way through the US system.
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