Other

BBC World Service East Asia

Migrated podcast image for: Outlook

Outlook

Factual: Life Stories

True stories of ordinary people and the extraordinary events that have shaped their lives.

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service News Internet

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

Outlook: Separated from my kids at the US-Mexico border

Magazines & Reviews

CROPRosy image 2.jpg

23/11/2020 GMT

Separated from my kids at the US-Mexico border

BBC World Service - Outlook, Separated from my kids at the US-Mexico border

Guatemalan Rosayra Pablo Cruz was helped by a surprise visitor while she was in detention

Rosayra Pablo Cruz’ account of fleeing violence in Guatemala, her illegal entry to the US, and the series of events that led to an emotional family reunion and a new friendship.

Rosayra Pablo Cruz tells how she fled Guatemala in April 2018 with two of her children after an attempt on her life and death threats against her eldest son. Hoping to be granted asylum in the United States, she says she didn't realise that a new "zero-tolerance" policy had just been introduced there which meant that any adults trying to cross the border illegally would be placed in custody and face prosecution - and if they were travelling with children, they would be separated from them. Rosy's two sons were sent to live with a foster mum in New York, but thanks to a group of volunteers, she was reunited with them a few months later.  

One of those volunteers was Julie Schwietert Collazo. Julie heard about the plight of the mums separated from their children on the radio and made it her mission to help them. Rosy has now been granted asylum in the US. Rosy and Julie have written a book about their experience called The Book of Rosy.

The interpreter was Laura Plitt. 

Image: Rosayra Pablo Cruz
Credit: J Pablo

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Outlook

Separated from my kids at the US-Mexico border

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service East Asia

About BBC World Service