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Threatened with Deportation, Local Mother Seeks Sanctuary

Mallory Noe-Payne
/
RADIO IQ

 

 

Threatened with deportation, a mother in Richmond has taken sanctuary at a local church.

 

Abbie Arevalo-Herrera, born in Honduras, has sought asylum in the U.S. for four years, saying she’s received death threats from the father of her child. She’s now married a U.S. permanent resident and lives with him and her children in Richmond.

Immigration advocates say her imminent deportation is the result of a recent change in federal policy, making it more difficult for people to be granted asylum based on domestic violence.

First Unitarian Universalist Church in Richmond is providing the woman with sanctuary, says minister Jeanne Pupke.

“We want her family to know that she is our leader. She is the brave one here,” Pupke said. “She’s putting her life on hold for justice and we’re going to support her in that.”

She’s already moved into the church and plans on staying there while she appeals her case.

 

Mallory Noe-Payne is a Radio IQ reporter based in Richmond.
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