In the face of unimaginable hardship, the story of Manuel, Alma, Cristi, and Santi serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. This heartwrenching journey began when Manuel and Alma, parents of two young children, Cristi and Santi, ages 5 and 6, faced an agonizing decision. The parents were concerned for their children’s safety, so they sent them alone across the border to keep them safe from the dangers of border camps. Unfortunately, they were caught in the harsh grasp of the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) program, which forced them to remain in Mexico, leaving them desperate to be reunited with their beloved children.
For a staggering four long months, Cristi and Santi endured the harrowing isolation of detention cells, devoid of the comforting presence of their parents and family. It was a period fraught with uncertainty and fear as they clung to hope and dreams of reuniting with their loved ones. It was at this point that Miles4Migrants, in collaboration with our valued partner, Every Last One, stepped in, offering a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Through their efforts, they successfully orchestrated the siblings’ release to the embrace of their aunt in the United States.
Months seemed to stretch into eternity, and finally, Alma received the long-awaited news of her admission into the country. However, her journey was far from easy. Eight months pregnant, she braved the harsh and frigid conditions of Customs and Border Protection cells, where she was diagnosed with COVID-19. After completing her quarantine, Alma was finally able to reunite with Cristi and Santi, thanks to the incredible generosity of a Miles4Migrants supporter who donated 16,000 American miles. Their reunion was a beacon of light amid the darkest of times.
Shortly thereafter, the family experienced another miracle as baby Mila was born—a precious gift after enduring so much turmoil and heartache. Yet, amidst the joy, they still longed for the presence of their father, Manuel. Seven long months passed since Alma and Manuel were cruelly separated, but at last, Manuel was granted entry into the United States. The journey to reunification was made possible by the selflessness of those who donated 15,100 United miles through Miles4Migrants. For Manuel, it was the moment he had yearned for—an opportunity to hold his newborn daughter for the first time and embrace his older children after enduring a painful 1.5 years of separation.
Today, we join in celebrating this extraordinary family reunion. Their story reminds us all of the profound importance of compassion, resilience, and the unwavering support of organizations like Miles4Migrants and Every Last One, who tirelessly work to bring families back together.
*All names are pseudonyms to protect the family.