On July 12, 2019 Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (MO-1) introduced H.R. 3750, a private immigration bill that would permanently stop Alex’s deportation and grant him permanent residency, so he can be reunited with his family in Southern Missouri where he belongs, and put Alex on a pathway to citizenship. Shortly thereafter, Carly and Sara John (IFCLA’s Executive Director) traveled to Washington DC as part of the national Sanctuary Collective to advocate for H.R. 3750 and request private bills for all families living in sanctuary. Through multiple meetings with members of Congress and their staff, we learned that our Representatives do not hear the support from our communities, congregations, organizations and individuals. They aren’t convinced that Alex or other families living in sanctuary should be a priority.