The Rhizome Center For Migrants

This was an amazing event to be able to attend! I enjoyed every moment at the reception desk and getting to see all the families and having an opportunity to speak with them for just a couple of seconds. They all have come a long way and I am so proud of each of them even though I don’t know them very well but have hear stories about specific families.

I am an Intern with the Rhizome Center for several months now and I can only say that I appreciate to have the opportunity work with this organisation. Among other things, I helped out with the Educational Programm in August 2022 and was very impressed by the whole program they offered to their participants: shelter visits, talk with academics, UN Refugee Agency and also time for personal exchange among all. They really put a lot of heart and effort in their work, which is a great value to the returned and deported migrant community especially in Guadalajara as they are the only organisation which is specialised to support this vulnerable group of people. Thanks to the Rhizome Center, I learned about the problems deportees and returns face and got the chance to get involved to help.

Tran, the founder and director, is very dedicated to her work and does an incredible job. Besides that she has a lot of work to do, she always took the time to explain me things and to answer my questions.
All in all, I fully recommend to support the Rhizome Center so that they can continue their important work in Mexico.

I assisted as a translator and interpreter several times even at long distances with an event and I can tell You this: Their passion for helping others is uncanny and you can see it in Their eyes. They are tireless in Their quest to help and save others. They are modern time héroes.

The Rhizome Center utilizes every dollar donated. Very pleased with the organization's work and proud to be able to support this cause. They are a hard working group that try to make a difference.

I attended the winter Student Program in 2022, it was one of the best experiences I've had thus far. The program was incredibly eye-opening. As someone who is interested in working as an advocate for migrants in the United States, it was so helpful to learn more about the needs of folks on the other side of the border. The work the Rhizome Center does fills in a huge gap in both the US and Mexican systems. The program exposed us students to a wide range of perspectives, ideas, and topics. As a first year law student, it supplemented my education with lessons I could never learn in the classroom. I highly recommend this program to any student interested in migration issues and admire the work this organization does so much!

Desde mi experiencia laboral he tenido la oportunidad de acompañar a personas en contextos de movilidad urbana, el estar tan cerca y reconocer las distintas vulnerabilidades a las que se enfrentan, por una condición o por otra, te sitúa frente a una realidad a la que somos ajenos en la mayoría del tiempo y que es una realidad cruda con la que convivimos de forma constante y que muchas de las veces decidimos ignorar.
La vida me acercó a centro Rizoma y tuve la oportunidad de acompañar a una persona a poder tramitar un documento de identidad o una INE como la conocemos en México, el involucrarnos como comunidad en este tipo de procesos y comenzar a apoyar a las personas que lo requieran tiene una implicación directa en el bienestar de las personas, esto debido a que el obtener el documento de identidad después de muchísimos años de no haber contado con el, es el primer paso para el resto de sus vidas, puesto a que es el primer acercamiento que tendrán a su proceso de re-inserción a una sociedad que tanto tiempo los tuvo olvidados, es volver a reconocerlos como personas y recuperar la identidad que por un motivo u otro les fue arrebatada de las manos.
Participar como individuo y sociedad ante este tipo de procesos nos reconoce como vulnerables y como individuos que en cualquier momento pueden verse inmersos en estos procesos, por lo mismo ir haciendo de ese proceso de inserción un proceso más amigable para estas personas.

I've had the amazing opportunity to work with The Rhizome Center and I have nothing but great things to say about them. The work that they do is remarkable, and I was able to witness the impact that they've had on so many people's lives.
It is incredible to see that there are people out there who are committed to helping the migrant population, and are working to raise awareness about the challenges that this community faces on a regular basis.

The Rhizome Center for Migrants not only focuses on helping out the deported community and their families in Mexico, but it also strives to educate people about the needs of this community and bring awareness to the issues. In the few years since the organization was founded, it has organized programs for law students, legal clinics and advocacy work. The organization is dedicated to providing assistance to and advocating for this often overlooked community.

I started volunteering with the Rhizome Center in January of 2019 and have nothing but great things to say about the organization. I had always been passionate about philanthropy, more specifically volunteering my time to support refugees and those without homes. What really drew me to the Rhizome Center was that it is one of the only organizations within Mexico that was specifically focused on the deported community. I'm originally from Chicago but have resided in Guadalajara for the past three years. Living on both sides of the border and volunteering with Rhizome has both deepened my interest in migration issues and broadened my understanding of the policies at play aimed undermine the basic human rights of the deported. I'm enthusiastic about the work that the Rhizome Center supports. It's imperative that we take action and ensure they are able to provide the necessary resources to this vulnerable and marginalized group.

Tran is the definition of a true leader and the heart of the organization. She's tenacious, resourceful, and her work ethic is second to none. Her passion for the cause is contagious! I couldn't be more thrilled to play a larger role within the organization as a board member this year!

Hello my name is Joey single father with a 7 year old daughter. I wanted to tank the Rhizome center for migrants for there great help they have help me with a fresh start by providing great donations. GOD bless everyone and thank you so much.am glad that we can count on the group here in Mexico

I had the opportunity to participate as a volunteer interpreter during the summer for the Rizhome Center. It has been a very rewarding experience and it opened my eyes to the situation of many people living in our country and around the world. Especially the deportees who are an extremely vulnerable population. It is amazing to meet people who care about these communities and are making them more visible.Thank you for all the help you offer and please do not stop what you are doing because in one way or another we are all migrants and we must make sure that everyone has access to their rights as human beings.
Tran Dang is a very special person, professional, and extremely attentive to detail. She makes everything happen harmoniously according to plan, I admire her for that and I wish her all the success in this very human and necessary mission.

I worked with the Rhizome Center as an assistant on the student program. The students all greatly benefited from the connections that the center had to migrant organizations in the area as well as international actors. They have established themselves within this area and were able to find truly incredible speakers and organizations to present to the students in a personal atmosphere.
I also assisted in Rhizome's Deported Veteran's workshop, which was a great success. The Rhizome Center was able to support these veterans and connect them with resources they would have never otherwise had in Mexico. They also facilitated a community discussion around vet issues and brought all types of veterans together.
Overall, I had a great experience working with the Rhizome Center and Tran in general. She is well organized and passionate about these events. I cannot wait to see how the organization will continue to serve and thrive.

I learned about The Rhizome Center for Migrants at the Lake Chapala Society in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico. Since then, I have been working with a group of concerned Mexican and US citizens in Ajijic to run fundraising activities for the organization. The Rhizome Center is the only legal organization offering post deportation legal aid and assistance to returned migrants located in Mexico, whereas all the others are based in the United States. Since Joe Biden became president of the United States, the Center has been quite active in working with legislators in both Mexico and the United States to address the legal inequities facing Mexican deportees. So often, simple infractions and misdemeanors have caused these people to be deported, leaving families, work, and life styles to be severely disrupted. The Rhizome Center is truly a worthwhile organization, and a benefit for many people who don''t have a voice or means to seek legal representation

Yo fui voluntario para esta organización porque creo que el gobierno Mexicano no hace suficiente para la gente que es retornada y quiero ser parte de un cambio para Mexico!!

Gracias por lo que hacen en Mexico para gente en estado tan vulnerable que de otra forma nunca pudieran tener la ayuda que tanto necesitan!!

I have been so impressed with the work done by the Rhizome Center and their dedication to helping those returned with the complexities of starting a new life in a new country where most of them have never lived before. During our current economic crisis here in Mexico, largely caused by COVID, people aren’t donating to non-profits as they did before and the Rhizome Center, like many others, is finding it hard to raise the funds necessary to continue their vital work. So many non profits here are suffering right now.

My name is Jose Tinajero I am a deported U.S. Veteran, and The Rizohome Center for migrants is the first organizaton that has reached out to me since I have been residing in Mexico, I have been in the country for over twenty years, and I have nothing but praise for one of their lawyers. I truly believe that the Rhizome Center for Migrants is making a positive contribution to the migrant popultaion in Guadalajara, especially when it is helping deported veterans aong the way, Keep up the good work and thank for being there for us in times of great need!!!!!

I've worked with this nonprofit for over a year, and it has been the most rewarding and engaging experience. I've met some wonderful people along the way and have also learned plenty about migration, one of the most difficult and dangerous experiences that many people face, along with all the consequences it entails. At The Rhizome Center for Migrants, one meets many people from different areas of expertise all trying to work together to help some of the most vulnerable people out there. One finds lawyers, members of clergy, academics, translators, interpreters, members of government... all of them working hard to establish an international network of support. There are also many educational opportunities for those who wish to learn more about this situation and the role the city of Guadalajara plays in it. One acquires first-hand experience and receives the viewpoints of both the people who've gone through - or are still going through - the experience of migration, along with those of the people who are working hand in hand with migrants in order to help them through this process and to humanize it as much as possible. I cannot recommend The Rhizome Center for Migrants enough, and anyone who is thinking about becoming a volunteer for a non-profit should definitely consider joining this one.

The Rhizome Center for Migrants' Mexico Project has played a key advocacy role on both sides of the border in promoting the rights of the returned community in Mexico and their U.S. citizen family members and speaking out against U.S. immigration authorities' continued use of detention and deportations during the pandemic. The Executive Director, Tran Dang, has led the drafting process of advocacy sign-on letters, written op-eds and participated in U.S. congressional briefings to defend the rights of mixed-status families and those who have been deported, as well as educate the public on the transnational, long-term effects of deportation. Abreast of pressing advocacy and policy conversations on both sides of the border, Tran provides valuable insight and specific recommendations pertaining to the returned community and their families. 

Ive had the pleasure to work with the Rhizome Center for over a year as a interpreter and translator, helping at an event and also in personal interviews with people that had been deported by air to Guadalajara. The interviews took place at the refugee centers where the deportee was staying and even though we didn't had a chance to speak to all of them, it was good to be able to help advocate for them if their rights were being violated or at least help them get in contact with their families or guide them with the steps to follow after arriving here in Mexico since a lot of them are not even from Mexico.

It's been an absolute pleasure to work with Tran in this amazing organization and been able to help in any way possible because the work they have been doing is wonderful!

I am very happy and grateful with the assistance that I`m receiving from the Rhizome Center for Migrants, specially from the attorney Tran Dang, I am happy and thankful with the association Ameyal for putting me in contact with her, she has been helping me with my case, she help me finding Josh Ross the attorney that is taking my case that is pending in Texas and giving me updates about it. I would like to thank her and the Rhizome Center for Migrants for been there for the community on the most difficult times for us, at the moment that we are most vulnerable.
Thank you very much to all the people involved in this project, you are doing an amazing job for the community.

Soy Maria Dolores, activista por los derechos de las personas deportadas de Estados Unidos a México, acudí al apoyo de The Rhizome Center for Migrants, porque existen casos legales de personas que dejan asuntos pendientes de su vida , al momento de la deportación, y en este Centro logramos encontrar un abogado que revisa la historia de la persona y decide que si hay posibilidades de ayudarle a resolver pendientes. Muchas personas tienen familia directa o madres y padres y son familias binacionales que pueden volver a unirse aquí o allá, resolviendo procesos inconcluso, hay posibilidades de recuperar sus vidas.

Ive had the pleasure to be one on many that has been helped by this organosation.throuh the last few years ive been helped with food , medical supplies ,clothing, higine suplies .Tran is a verry profesional and highly cualified person , she has given GDLSUR numeros advise and info to help cope with legal ,personal , aid, in this time of covid-19 . im verry gratfull of her non selfish , non profit aid .

I first connected with the Rhizome Center for Migrants when I participated in their educational program for law students in Guadalajara in early 2020. I was blown away by the amount of learning packed into this one-week intensive and the level of care that the organization brings to their work. I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to give back to them this summer, supporting their advocacy work with legal and policy research. Through this volunteer experience, I have gotten a larger window into the consistency of the caliber of their work. The Rhizome Center is the only organization in the region focused on serving the needs of individuals and families post-deportation and every experience I’ve had with them reflects the same attention toward filling the gaps of unmet needs with comprehensive advocacy that is empathetic and effective. I feel grateful for the opportunity to learn from Tran and the Rhizome Center and to be able to make a small contribution to their important work.

The Rhizome Center has become such an important resource for our work with those returning to Mexico who likely require more than anything the information necessary for a successful return. At the same time, the RC advocates for important changes to US immigration policy for the reunification of families, and for the consideration of those who have been returned to Mexico who want a path to return. We talk so much of a path to citizenship for those fortunate enough to continue living in the United States, however much is lost in that conversation once someone has returned to Mexico. This should not be the case, and the Rhizome Center is one of the few organizations advocating for this shift in understanding the needs of families separated by current US immigration policy. I met Tran early last year when she came to Tijuana to visit with shelters and families, and had the opportunity to introduce her to the group of deportees that I work with at Puente TJ United. Ever since she has been a consistent resource for us and helped connect us to other groups with similar goals of integration to living back in Mexico, while simultaneously advocating for the reform we so very much need. The future of the immigrant rights movement is not limited to the United States, and work that the RC does in Mexico is a perfect reflection of that future and its potential. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with the Rhizome Center, and to doing this advocacy work across borders together!

I have been volunteering with The Rhizome Center for Migrants for almost two years and I am very proud of it. I would like to thank Tran Dang ,Founder and Executive Director, for giving me the opportunity to help through my translations and for her amazing and hard work. This world needs more people like her.

Adriana Onofre

I have been in contact with the Rhizome Center for Migrants for more than a year now. During all of this time they have helped people who are directly in contact with me and all of them have been extremely satisfied with their professional service. It is amazing that the Rhizome Center for Migrants is even able to help people all over Mexico and in other countries. They do this with the resources that they have on their website. When migrants ask for help i first think about the Rhizome Center for Migrants because they are so efficient and respectful. The work that they have done in Mexico is very complete and i can tell that they genuinely enjoy helping others . I am grateful to know about the Rhizome Center for Migrants. I will continue to speak highly of them.

I have volunteered with The Rhizome Center for Migrants as a support coordinator for their educational programs that they hold in the winter and the summer. They do important work advocating for the underserved returned community in Mexico -- they help bring visibility to the challenges these migrants face (deportees and those voluntarily returned), and use their vast and well built network to bring resources to them. I was drawn to the organization because with my work at an immigration law office, I was growing concerned about the impact that current U.S. immigration policy was having on an already vulnerable population. Working with the The Rhizome Center has helped me understand the implications that U.S. policy has beyond our borders. They are an organization that is committed to a community that is all too often forgotten about, and by supporting them you can be sure that your donation is going to an excellently run non-profit that has a clear mission and who will put your donation to its best use.

Excelente centro. Muy profesional. Realmente hacen impacto adentrándose en la situación y contexto.

Over the past year and a half, I’ve followed the work and impact of a number of social justice organizations around the globe. Hands down, I’ve learned more from The Rhizome Center for Migrants than any other nonprofit about the policies, systems and cycles that prevent deportees, returnees and separated families from accessing basic resources and life-sustaining opportunities. To the Rhizome Center’s Executive Director Tran Dang and her team, I say kudos! Truly inspired accomplishments. I wish them continued success in all they do.

I've been a volunteer for over a year, and I've had the opportunity to see the impact this organization has on this community, who tend to be ignored by many, not only by lawyers, but also authorities and the society. This amazing organization is not only humanitarian, but also educational, I've been lucky enough to witness their educational programs that encourages law students to educate themselves about the situation in Mexico, and how they could work on it. I definitely encourage everyone to help them in anyway.

I have been a volunteer interpreter for The Rhizome Center For Migrants for over a year and I have seen the kind of work they do. They are humanitarian and see the cases of all those immigrants who tend to be discriminated or ignored by many other lawyers or even by the authorities. I have seen that first-hand and they try to help them in any way they can. I deeply encourage you to donate or help them in any way you can, for this organization is one of those fighting for real justice.

I’ve been an interpreter for the Rhizome Center for Migrants for over a year, and I’ve had the opportunity to witness first-hand the impact this organization has on the lives of the people who seek its assistance. Deportees are a uniquely vulnerable population, and very often they have been misinformed about their rights or do not know them at all, which complicates their situation further. Yet, at the Rhizome Center, deportees and returned migrants can expect to be treated humanely and receive proper legal aid and resources to have access to justice. I’m very proud to volunteer in this organization and of the work it does, offering assistance to at-risk communities and raising awareness about immigration issues.

I have been volunteering with The Rhizome Center for Migrants for almost two years. One of the things this organization does is to assist people that have been deported and thus have a complex legal situation that requires experts. The staff works to create access to justice, specially the director of the organization, who is always looking for new ways to assist the deportees and the returned communities. I am glad I volunteer here because the assistance is integral, I see that every person is treated as a person and not just a case.

When I first moved to Guadalajara, I heard a talk by the Rhizome Center's director, Tran Dang. I knew immediately that I wanted to volunteer my time to help this organization that is the only legal center south of the border offering post-deportation legal aid assistance to returned migrants. They work with vulnerable populations, like the elderly and other at-risk deported migrants, serving a vital need that is not being met by the Mexican or U.S. governments. We hear the heartbreaking stories of families in the U.S. being separated by deportation, and it can make us feel powerless. The Rhizome Center is taking action to provide support for these parents and children once they've been displaced to Mexico. Please join me in supporting their efforts.

I've been doing volunteer work as a translator at the Rhizome Center for Migrants for almost a year now and it's been an enriching experience. The work they do in the community is really important because they take cases that nobody else does (unless you pay them a lot of money). Repatriated migrants are vulnerable people that receive very little or no help at all from the Governmet or other organizations. I encourage anybody who can to donate to this wonderful cause.

The Rhizome Center for Migrants is a fantastic cause that is doing amazing work for deportees and migrants in the Guadalajara area. I have been volunteering as an interpreter for the center over the last few years and it has been a truly eye-opening experience. I have assisted during legal aid interviews with deportees, and during the educational programs for US law students. The programs, that invite US law students to spend a week in Guadalajara, are very well-organized with a full week-long program of talks and visits. It gives them a broad panorama of the situation in Mexico now and in the past, and it is a really unique opportunity for students studying immigration law in the US to get a 'hands-on' insight.
Tran Dang, the director, is a very knowledgeable, approachable and professional attorney whose ambition, commitment and passion for the migrant and deportee sector is admirable and inspirational.