Our loved ones are dying, while we suffer in silence and distance, trapped between human trafficking and a closed migration bureaucracy.
In the meantime, we are asked to wait, ignored, lied to, or offended. Some wait for years, in vain, as the life of an immigrant is not just an individual life; it´s mediated, coordinated.
To reach any type of social service, from food to clothing, a shower program, or formation, an immigrant doesn´t function independently. From the start, there is a social integration protocol. The issues that persist and endanger people´s life is the protocol not being activated or pursued, and the inclusion plan not adapted to the individual, or as it happens, the lack of functional guidance. All these aspects and social care characteristics unmet are criminal acts.
People do not freeze to death out of pleasure or intent. Each of these cases is a systemic failure, and as observed in the last years´ dynamics, the systemic racism, and I can add the systemic xenophobia, take lifes. Development is stopped, basic needs unmet, and asking for help in an emergency leads to spending money you do not have, and invitations to break the law, such as having a free meal in another town, therefore to use the train without paying the ticket.
If you are extremely cold and hungry, in the same spot for years, ignored by your social workers, who keep changing, nobody is approaching, but to observe and criticize you, as you do not have a personal space, and any creep can observe you as they please. Some will verbally attack, others physically. Your things are at their spontaneous rage and disposal. In the meantime, you are asked to wait or redirected indefinitely, offended even.
I have shared from my food, reorganizing the low budget I have since last year, and observed the dynamics around how refugees and immigrants, who arrive here usually after being trafficked, are treated. I had hoped that during the many holidays and presents sharing ceremonies, the people without a roof, placed in the city, all over it, would be approached, and at least a basic intent of helping them face the cold of winter outside would be shown, but nothing.
Some, even if they try for months, don´t get help, or on a list of support, at least with food, a sleeping bag, and a tent. For many, too many of these people's survival depends on the few citizens. Yet, how absurd this is…
