In October 2020, The New York Times reported that more than 5,500 children in total had been separated from their parents at the U.S. border under the Trump administration.
Recently, we learned that parents Of 545 of these children Separated At U.S.-Mexico Border have not been located. These parents were separated from their children by border officials under President Trump's zero tolerance policy from 2017 to 2018.
"What has happened is horrific," says Lee Gelernt, deputy director of the ACLU Immigrants' Rights Project, who has been leading the litigation. "Some of these children were just babies when they were separated. Some of these children may now have been separated for more than half their lives. Almost their whole life, they have not been with their parents."
As a mother, my heart breaks for all of these children. The trauma that all these kids have experienced is unimaginable. It is unfathomable to me that these 545 (some reports say this number is higher) will be spending another Christmas away from their parents.
That is why I have decided to donate all of the proceeds from my new single, my interpretation of Joni Mitchel's beautiful song, "The River" to No Kids in Cages. Also, known as Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES).
RAICES provides free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees. With legal services, social programs, bond assistance, and an advocacy team focused on changing the narrative around immigration in this country, RAICES is operating on the national frontlines of the fight for immigration rights.
This holiday season, please join me in supporting the work of this incredible organization by buying my new song, "The River". More importantly, let's never forget these children and work to make sure that no child spends time in a cage in our country.
xoxox
Lara