Verioska Parra, a Venezuelan mother, finds herself living in a car with her two young daughters in the United States after immigration authorities deported her husband, who was the family's sole provider, back to Venezuela.
Through tears, Parra shared that friends in Orlando, Florida, offered her some support, but she eventually returned to Los Angeles, the city where they had initially settled upon arriving in the country.
Since her husband's deportation, Parra's life has taken a dramatic turn. With no income and two children to care for, she has resorted to sleeping in her vehicle while trying to gather enough money for food, fuel, and other essential expenses.
"I am a mother of two girls and am experiencing hardship. My husband was our only support in this country, and, by God's will, immigration caught him and deported him. All I want is to buy plane tickets to return to my country," Parra wrote in a heartfelt plea on the GoFundMe platform.
The Venezuelan mother is seeking assistance to cover rent, basic services, and the immigration fees needed to either regularize her status or return to her homeland through voluntary departure.
"Any help, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in our lives," she expressed.
Verioska Parra's situation highlights the increasing vulnerability of many migrant families in the United States, particularly those torn apart by deportation policies.
Dozens of Latin Americans have turned to GoFundMe campaigns as a means of survival due to the lack of support networks and job opportunities.
While waiting for a resolution, Parra continues to sleep with her daughters in the car, hoping to gather the necessary funds to either return to Venezuela or start anew elsewhere.
Understanding the Challenges of Migrant Families in the U.S.
What led Verioska Parra to live in a car with her children?
Verioska Parra had to live in a car with her daughters after her husband, the family's sole provider, was deported to Venezuela, leaving them without financial support.
How is Verioska Parra seeking help to improve her situation?
Parra is using the GoFundMe platform to solicit donations that can help her cover basic living expenses, rent, and immigration fees, potentially allowing her to regularize her status or return to Venezuela.
Why are GoFundMe campaigns becoming common among migrant families?
Many migrant families, like Parra's, turn to GoFundMe due to the lack of support networks and job opportunities, making it a vital tool for survival in the face of financial hardship.