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Nonprofits, faith groups ready to assist newly-arrived migrants in Orange County

The nonprofits and some elected leaders welcomed the asylum seekers. They yelled "welcome" and "bienvenidos" and held up signs that included hearts.

News 12 Staff

May 11, 2023, 5:57 PM

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Supporters say multiple nonprofits and faith groups are ready to help the migrants that arrived Thursday in Orange County.

The nonprofits and some elected leaders welcomed the asylum seekers. They yelled "welcome" and "bienvenidos" and held up signs that included hearts.

The groups said seeking asylum is a legal right and migrants should not be welcomed with xenophobia.

There were several people protesting their arrival on Wednesday. They said they have been worried about safety, saying they do not know who the migrants are.

News 12's Blaise Gomez spoke with one man, 22-year-old Mohammed, about his harrowing journey from Africa. He told her it took him 20 days to get to New York through plane, cattle, a transport truck, taxis and on foot. He said he saved seven years to pay for the $5,000 journey and was robbed twice in Mexico.

"Sometimes three, four days no sleeping. Sometimes I find a place to sleep. Sometimes eating, it's not good," Mohammed said.

Mohammed added that he does feel welcome here despite everything that is going on.

He hopes he will be able to get a job and start a new life.

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