Asylee Women Enterprise

On the morning of November 6, AWE staff gathered to discuss the outcome of the election and begin to process the impact of the results on our organization and our clients. The room was heavy with shock and sadness, but also a resolute, quiet tenacity.  We didn’t know if our clients would feel safe coming to class, but we were grateful that almost twenty clients did. Before lunch, clients, staff, and volunteers gathered in our community room. French-speaking clients sat in the front of the room on the left, Arabic-speakers on the right, and Spanish speakers in the middle. Staff members fluent in these languages sat within each group to interpret. English speaking clients, volunteers, and staff were sprinkled across the rest of the room. AWE’s executive director addressed the group, pausing for interpretation as she spoke. She shared our sadness about the news and assured clients that AWE is not going anywhere. She promised that AWE will continue to provide clients with accurate information about their rights and changes under the new administration that may impact them. She also promised that AWE will continue to be a safe space for our clients, and that we will keep advocating for a world where they are welcome and safe. When she asked if anyone had questions, multiple hands shot up. “Is it safe to leave my home?” a client asked. “Will they take my asylum?” someone else asked. “What will happen to AWE?” multiple people questioned. We don’t have all the answers, and we have fewer assurances than we’d like. Trump has vowed to implement sweeping inhumane and unjust policies that would profoundly threaten the lives and safety of forced migrants everywhere, but a lot of details are still unclear. We do know, however, that we will continue to gather in the community room every few weeks to listen, answer questions, and provide accurate information. In the coming weeks, we will also help clients submit applications for asylum and other forms of immigration relief, help clients develop safety plans, provide Know Your Rights Trainings, and seek out additional funding to ensure our services remain sustainable and responsive to changing needs of the communities we serve. We will also continue to create spaces where our clients feel seen, heard, and safe. Where they can express their anger, fears, and hopes. Where they know that they aren’t alone. We will do everything we can to a place where people feel safe, and where immigrants are welcomed with dignity. We hope you’ll join us.