If the U.S. sends this man back to the DRC today, he will probably be killed
I would have thought we would welcome a pro-democracy activist.
Update: On March 1, Constantin Bakala was granted an emergency stay of removal.
Recent events have focused the public conversation about asylum in the United States on Central American gangs and the so-called caravans. But my congregation is getting a first-hand lesson in how our asylum practices endanger pro-democracy activists elsewhere in the world.
Constantin Bakala’s family is a blessing to the church I serve in San Diego. They sing in the choir, serve at the altar, and participate in youth group. This is no surprise; for the past two years I’ve watched families like his who began their life in America struggle to learn English, obtain driver's licenses, and make their way up the job ladder in this great and expensive city. The list of their contributions to the community is too long to include here.
