Araceli Velasquez came to the United States when she was 19 to plea for asylum. She made a life in Colorado, met her husband and had three children.
After seven years she was unable to renew her stay of deportation. She sought sanctuary in a Denver church and has continued to seek asylum.
Velasquez hasn’t left the church in over a year.
Laurel Smith specializes in photo and video that promotes public awareness, enables fundraising and stimulates local businesses. She works from Carbondale, Colorado. Email HCN at editor@hcn.org or submit a letter to the editor.
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