Mary Sanchez Reports Kansas City Latinos Surviving La Migra

We don't mind doing a double link if only for the benefit of our not-so-long-ago mentor and this town's last remaining Latina columnist.

Take a peek at a fantastical report that imagines "community" when everybody who has really experienced this kind of hardship at any level understands that you're mostly on your own . . .  

"In some portions of Kansas City, one person on a block will go to the grocery, dropping off items at a neighbor’s door. A neighbor will prepare a large pot of food, sharing it so others can avoid their usual shopping.

"Some local advocates observe an uptick in people selling items like crafts and tamales online. Such sales can supplement income when one family breadwinner has been detained. In other cases it replaces a more public job that now feels less safe.

"The owner of a hair salon in Kansas City, Kansas, has a legal immigration status. But many of her Latina clients do not.

"For their safety and comfort, she vowed months ago to do all that she could to protect them.

"Hair appointments are taken by phone. The front door is locked after the client arrives.

"A few Kansas City area advocates are leaning into how they can better utilize immigrant neighborhood connections.

"One local group has donated $200 in cash to the family of every immigrant they learn has been detained. But it’s an overwhelming task as arrests continue."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Deportations have already cost Kansas City thousands of jobs - and hurt American workers too

Immigrant communities fearful of expanding ICE enforcement are changing how they work and function in society. Their decisions are having broad economic impact.