“The government doesn’t give us any financial resources,” Schwartz said.
while waiting for the outcome of their asylum hearings. Schwartz said before COVID shut down their refugee welcome program in 2020, they had helped more than 100,000 people adjust to life in the U.S. The refugees also get a chance to call their family to help work out the logistics of getting to their new home. “I often send boxes to Magdalena for her to use at other events.”Ī July 20 event got emotional when some of the refugees were reunited with their family members. “I can take you inside and you wouldn’t believe how much we have,” Agresti said. “I just put out a call on our distribution list,” said Joe Agresti, a volunteer who coordinates the event for the church. The Grove is not getting paid to provide this service, and most of the donations they receive come from either members of their congregation, or their friends and family. “If people have a problem with this, they need to talk to the people in the government.” “I do this because I’m a pastor,” Schwartz said. Even though the refugees are just passing through, Schwartz said she has heard some complaints because of the hot-button topic of illegal immigrants. Schwartz said The Grove is the only Chandler church currently welcoming refugees. Now, she is in the process of rebuilding it with five churches taking part. When the COVID pandemic began, that network fell apart because of social distancing. When Schwartz first started organizing this effort four years ago she built a network of 14 churches that would host these events. There is also food, beverages and if they are so inclined, a shower. They are also returned all their personal items, including shoe laces, that were confiscated when they surrendered to border officials. While they are in Chandler, they are given some comforts to start their new life, such as some new clothes, shoes, hats, and purses. Many of the refugees arriving in Chandler will take a bus to Sky Harbor Airport for a flight to stay with family elsewhere in the U.S. People can apply for asylum in the United States if they have suffered persecution, or fear suffering persecution, due to race, religion, nationality, being a member in a particular social group, or for political opinions. Schwartz said all of the asylum-seekers have a place to go, and that is almost always outside of Chandler. It was the largest group to arrive in Chandler since the church started hosting refugees in February. And we give them welcome.”Įarlier this month, 114 refugees, including more than 20 children, arrived at The Grove to begin their journey to wherever they will be staying as they await their court date for their asylum applications.
“They think, ‘Oh, we’re going to another detention center … then they get surprised when they get here.
Schwartz has been organizing the East Valley effort to help refugees settle in the U.S.
ONE AND ALL CHURCH COMMUNITY GROUPS FREE
Because they have asked for asylum, they are free to move about in America pending the outcome of a hearing on their request.
The refugees are not in this country illegally. “We give them welcome, because they don’t know where they’re going, and they’re scared,” said Magdalena Schwartz, pastor of Vineyard Church in Gilbert. It is their first stop after turning themselves in at the Southern border and spending time in detention centers. Gilbert Road, is one of five East Valley churches that host a welcome center for refugees seeking asylum. For some refugees coming to the United States for a better life, a Chandler church is one of the first steps on that journey.
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