America Ferrera Instagram – Taking part in a little humanity can do a lot for our broken hearts. I was so glad to help hand out 700 winter coats at a shelter for asylum seekers in New York City this week. I’m grateful to the asylum seekers who shared their experiences with us. Many of them are families and individuals fleeing persecution from their governments, running from gangs that threaten their families, escaping starvation, desperation or economic destitution in failed states. All of them are human beings looking for a chance to build a better life. I was proud to witness how New York City is working to meet them with resources and humanity, but what is absolutely clear is that more support is needed from the state and federal government to continue welcoming these men, women, and children with dignity. We have a failed immigration system that leaves most people with only dangerous and undignified options during a time of increased forced migration around the world. That is wrong. And it is wrong that once they arrive they aren’t getting the support they need, and that our country is making it incredibly hard for them to be able to work legally. I urge @potus to deal with the issue of our broken immigration system and to take action that will welcome people with dignity, build more safe and humane immigration pathways, and provide real help to cities like New York attempting to welcome migrants with humanity. In the mean time, we can all play a part in offering humanity to other human beings seeking refuge. I encourage you to follow @thisisabouthumanity, @immdef_lawcenter, and @fwdus to stay up-to-date on immigration policies and to learn about volunteer opportunities as they become available. #WelcomeWithDignity #ThisisAboutHumanity Thank you to @thisisabouthumanity for bringing community together in service of others and to the @nycemergencymanagement @zachiscol for coordinating the visit. Photos by @ericapress.jpg