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Araceli Velasquez in sanctuary

Araceli enters sanctuary

On Aug. 8, 2017, Araceli Velasquez entered into sanctuary in Park Hill United Methodist Church and Temple Micah in Denver, Colorado.

In 2010, Araceli Velasquez was 19 years old when she fled for her life from El Salvador to the United States. Now she is married with three children, all citizens, in Colorado and is under threat of being deported back to the dangerous situation she tried to escape. 

Watch a video recording of Araceli entering sanctuary. 

How we chose to become Denver’s most recent sanctuary congregations

Rabbi Adam Morris of Temple Micah wrote about his congregation's decision to host Araceli in sanctuary: "We stand with Araceli so that she may fight to stay with her family. We stand with Araceli so that we may fight to ensure that the values of justice and compassion live in our American legal system and in our way of life. We stand with Araceli because it is the right Christian, Jewish, American and human thing to do.

Video

Araceli's husband, Jorge, shares his story

Listen to Jorge describe how Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has helped him and his family in Colorado—and why it's critical for the U.S. to preserve this vital program. 

TPS is a provision under which the government grants protection from deportation to people from certain countries afflicted by natural disasters, war, or other dangerous conditions. Learn more.

In the news

Boulder Weekly
Aug. 31, 2017
Anywhere but there: Salvadoran Araceli Velasquez claims sanctuary in Denver
Denver Post
Aug. 19, 2017
Fearing deportation, Araceli Velasquez finds reprieve in a Denver synagogue and church
Denverite
Aug. 17, 2017
Denver synagogue and church give sanctuary to Araceli Velasquez as ICE knocks on her door
Westword
Aug. 30, 2017
Sanctuary-seekers find a home in Denver and other Colorado cities

How to help

#AraceliBelongsHere

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Keep Araceli in the U.S. with her family where she belongs.

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