A coalition of advocacy groups will host a series of legal clinics to help those applying for deferred action from deportation and for naturalization.
At a forum on Sunday at St. Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church, a panel of advocates discussed what’s next in the sanctuary movement, which seeks to provide refuge to those at risk of deportation.
“It feels really good that there is something called the new sanctuary movement,” said Margo Cowan, an attorney representing Francisco Pérez Cordova and Rosa Imelda Robles Loreto, who have sought sanctuary in 2014, at the forum. “On the other hand, there shouldn’t be a sanctuary movement.”
People should feel protected in their homes and neighborhoods and live without fear of deportation outside of the sanctuary of a church, she has said in the past.
The clinics would offer legal and educational guidance to those seeking to apply for deferred action or take advantage of the fee waiver for the $680 required for naturalization applications, she said.
Participating groups include Keep Tucson Together, Border Action Network, Southside Worker Center and the Southside Presbyterian Church, where Robles Loreto remains in sanctuary.
The first of the clinics will take place on Jan. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at Pueblo High School, which is located at 3500 S. 12th Ave.
“It’s part of a broader commitment of trying to ameliorate insecurity and fear and ultimately the pain and deep suffering that can come by families being torn apart,” said Sarah Launius, a spokeswoman for the sanctuary movement in Tucson.
The point is to help keep families together before they reach the point of needing sanctuary, she added.
For those who fall through the cracks and find themselves at risk, such as Pérez Cordova and Robles Loreto, advocates are working to figure out how best to support those in refuge.
“Hospitality really needs stability and accountability,” said Cecilia Valenzuela Gee of Southside Presbyterian Church.
It requires commitment from the church and the greater community of people who are willing to help, whether that means office support, donating food or providing spiritual company, she added.
