Sample Letters

VIDA: Volunteers for Immigrants in Detention - Albuquerque

Sample Letters to those in detention

Sample #1

Dear Andrew,

My name is Kelly and I’m a volunteer with VIDA: Volunteers for Immigrants in Detention - Albuquerque. I’m writing to you to say hello and to tell you that I don’t find it fair that you are in detention. Our organization tries to support those in ICE detention by reminding you that you are not alone.

I understand that you are from Nigeria. What part are you from? Are you from the big city or the countryside? I myself have lived in Albuquerque for most of my life. It’s a big city of 800,000 people, but it doesn’t have that big city feel. I like visiting big cities, but I’m ok with living somewhere that is a little calmer. What languages do you speak? I am a French and Spanish teacher and really love both languages.

How are you doing? What are things like for you at the detention facility? I am on summer break right now because I am a teacher. I teach high school students and I also have three teen daughters, so I am surrounded by teenagers! What about you? Do you have siblings? I have one brother myself. He lives in San Francisco.

The weather has been very hot in Albuquerque this week. It has been over 100 degrees Fahrenheit all week, or around 37 degrees Celsius. Do you like hot weather? Are you able to go outside often? What is the weather like there? I actually like hot weather, but I find that most people don’t. How does the weather where you are compare to what you’re used to?

Tell me more about yourself. What do you like to do under normal circumstances? What hopes do you have for your future? I wish you all the best with your case. In the meantime, I would enjoy writing to you and getting letters back.

Sincerely, Kelly

Sample Letter #2

Hello R_________,

I am a volunteer for VIDA: Volunteers for Immigrants in Detention-Albuquerque. I want you to know that I am thinking of you and that many Americans oppose our country’s unjust immigration system. Please know that you are not forgotten.

How are things going for you? Do you have family or friends in the United States who you write and call?

I am a retired teacher and live in the mountains not too far from Estancia where you are. I have visited other people who are in detention while seeking asylum, and have very much valued getting to know them. I am very sorry that the asylum process is so long and frustrating. What are the things that help you keep going?

Sincerely,

Susan

Sample Letter #3 - en español

Estimado C________,

Lo saludo desde Albuquerque, una ciudad al centro de Nuevo México en los Estados Unidos, a una hora de Estancia y el centro de detención de Torrance. Soy parte de una organización que se llama VIDA: Voluntarios para los inmigrantes en detención - Albuquerque. Hacemos lo que podamos para recordarles a ustedes que no están solos. No estamos de acuerdo con el sistema de inmigración en este país.

No soy abogada, así que no puedo ayudar con su caso de inmigración, pero me gustaría escribir a Usted y ser su amiga. Soy maestra de español y de francés en una escuela secundaria. Llevo 24 años de casada y mi esposo es hispano. Tenemos 3 hijas adolescentes. Yo vengo de una familia grande con muchos hermanos y hermanas. ¿y usted? Qué me puede contar de su familia?

La verdad es que no sé mucho sobre Colombia. ¿De cuál parte es Usted? Estamos en el desierto aquí en Nuevo México. Yo crecí aquí y me gusta mucho. Tenemos montañas muy bonitas, tenemos puestas del sol maravillosas, pero no tenemos mar. Tenemos el Río Grande que es bonito pero no hay playa. Cuénteme por favor más sobre su región de Colombia.

Muchas gracias por escribirme. Lo siento por todo lo que está pasando y por las condiciones tan injustas del centro. Cuando pueda, dígame cómo está. Cuídese mucho...

Su amiga,

Kelly