News & Commentary

Ashley was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, MX. Although both of her parents were working nonstop in Mexico, they were struggling financially to support the family. Her father was tired of living this way, so he came to the US first, then Ashley and her mom later followed. She was only three years old when they crossed so her recollection of how they crossed the border is a blur. She remembers her mom telling her that at one point they were in the desert and they ran out of food and water that her mom gave her liquid Tylenol just to keep her hydrated. The coyote told her mom that it would be easier if she just left Ashley behind to cross with a different group por la linea, that since Ashley was little they wouldn’t question her, but her mom refused to be separated from her. After getting detained two times at the border they finally succeeded to cross on their third attempt. Ashley was a few days away from turning four when she arrived in the U.S.

Gloria was born in Romita, Guanajuato, MX. At just six months old, she immigrated to the U.S. with her mom and older brother to reunite with her father — who had already been working a stable job in the states for some time. She is now a mother of two beautiful kids and, despite the hurdles that have come her way, she is determined to persevere for her children.

Jesus was born in Romita, Guanajuato, Mexico. His dad used to come to the U.S. as a seasonal worker every year from the mid 80’s to the late 90s. But working as a seasonal worker brought very little income to the family. His dad finally gained enough courage and decided to bring his whole family to the state, being the first one in his family to immigrate to the U.S. in 1997. Jesus was only two years old.

New immigration bill introduction in the House State Affairs Committee

Estefania got involved with the ACLU because she witnessed, first hand, how we treat immigrants in Idaho. Her path led her to strengthen the ACLU in North Idaho and make changes on the political front. 

On Thursday, November 20th, President Obama announced a package of executive actions to provide temporary reprieve from deportation to a limited number of immigrants living in the country.  The ACLU of Idaho welcomes this good news as a step in the right direction in addressing the plight of immigrant families caught in a political fiasco and broken immigration system. The temporary relief is a significant advancement towards affirming the civil liberties of immigrants.  Immigrants that will qualify can now breathe a sigh of relief, as the threat of possible deportation is cast aside.