Separated from my kids at the US-Mexico border
Rosayra Pablo Cruz’ account of fleeing violence in Guatemala, her illegal entry to the US, and the series of events that led to an emotional family reunion and a new friendship.
Rosayra Pablo Cruz tells how she fled Guatemala in April 2018 with two of her children after an attempt on her life and death threats against her eldest son. Hoping to be granted asylum in the United States, she says she didn't realise that a new "zero-tolerance" policy had just been introduced there which meant that any adults trying to cross the border illegally would be placed in custody and face prosecution - and if they were travelling with children, they would be separated from them. Rosy's two sons were sent to live with a foster mum in New York, but thanks to a group of volunteers, she was reunited with them a few months later.
One of those volunteers was Julie Schwietert Collazo. Julie heard about the plight of the mums separated from their children on the radio and made it her mission to help them. Rosy has now been granted asylum in the US. Rosy and Julie have written a book about their experience called The Book of Rosy.
The interpreter was Laura Plitt.
Image: Rosayra Pablo Cruz
Credit: J Pablo
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- Mon 23 Nov 202012:06GMTBBC World Service
- Mon 23 Nov 202018:06GMTBBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
- Mon 23 Nov 202023:06GMTBBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
- Tue 24 Nov 202003:06GMTBBC World Service
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