Ashley DeAzevedo
@afuashley.bsky.social
Executive Director of AmericanFamiliesUnited.org. Jersey girl. Blessed mom and devoted wife. Proud Catholic. ✝️ Small business owner. Believer in the sacred bond of family and the power of everyday Americans to create extraordinary change. 🇺🇸
Pinned
Ashley DeAzevedo
@afuashley.bsky.social
· Sep 17
Hi, Bluesky! My name is Ashley DeAzevedo & I'm the Director of American Families United.
This is my first post 🎉 and I’m excited to connect with everyone here.
I'm from New Jersey. I'm a mom, wife, proud Catholic, small business owner, and I haven't given up hope in the promise of America.
This is my first post 🎉 and I’m excited to connect with everyone here.
I'm from New Jersey. I'm a mom, wife, proud Catholic, small business owner, and I haven't given up hope in the promise of America.
Reposted by Ashley DeAzevedo
His children lose their father's care.
Our economy loses his skill.
Our treasury loses his tax payments.
This family separation makes America poorer & less joyful.
President Reagan's amnesty program would have let him become a citizen after paperwork & paying $185 ($550 w/inflation).
Our economy loses his skill.
Our treasury loses his tax payments.
This family separation makes America poorer & less joyful.
President Reagan's amnesty program would have let him become a citizen after paperwork & paying $185 ($550 w/inflation).
It has been enormously difficult to see our members at American Families United go through forced family separation. Here's the story of Jenni and her husband. "Mexican father, reflecting a trend, leaves family of 19 years and self-deports due to threat of arrest."
abcnews.go.com/US/mexican-f...
abcnews.go.com/US/mexican-f...
Mexican father, reflecting a trend, leaves family of 19 years and self-deports due to threat of arrest
Fidel Rivera, a husband and father who has been in the U.S. for 30 years, is one of thousands of undocumented migrants who have self-deported due to the threat of arrest.
abcnews.go.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:36 AM
His children lose their father's care.
Our economy loses his skill.
Our treasury loses his tax payments.
This family separation makes America poorer & less joyful.
President Reagan's amnesty program would have let him become a citizen after paperwork & paying $185 ($550 w/inflation).
Our economy loses his skill.
Our treasury loses his tax payments.
This family separation makes America poorer & less joyful.
President Reagan's amnesty program would have let him become a citizen after paperwork & paying $185 ($550 w/inflation).
It has been enormously difficult to see our members at American Families United go through forced family separation. Here's the story of Jenni and her husband. "Mexican father, reflecting a trend, leaves family of 19 years and self-deports due to threat of arrest."
abcnews.go.com/US/mexican-f...
abcnews.go.com/US/mexican-f...
Mexican father, reflecting a trend, leaves family of 19 years and self-deports due to threat of arrest
Fidel Rivera, a husband and father who has been in the U.S. for 30 years, is one of thousands of undocumented migrants who have self-deported due to the threat of arrest.
abcnews.go.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:07 PM
It has been enormously difficult to see our members at American Families United go through forced family separation. Here's the story of Jenni and her husband. "Mexican father, reflecting a trend, leaves family of 19 years and self-deports due to threat of arrest."
abcnews.go.com/US/mexican-f...
abcnews.go.com/US/mexican-f...
Reposted by Ashley DeAzevedo
AFU Action is in Washington, D.C. this week. We bring our members here to meet with elected reps to tell their stories about how the immigration system is tearing families apart. Follow me here and on Instagram and X (@afuashley) for updates. Help us get the word out! #FamilyIsWorthFightingFor
October 21, 2025 at 1:53 PM
AFU Action is in Washington, D.C. this week. We bring our members here to meet with elected reps to tell their stories about how the immigration system is tearing families apart. Follow me here and on Instagram and X (@afuashley) for updates. Help us get the word out! #FamilyIsWorthFightingFor
Douglas Menjivar spoke out against abuse in ICE detention - and they deported him. This story hits home for me bc Douglas is married to US citizen & AFU member Monica Logan, who was forced to navigate cancer treatments alone. Now they are both exiled in Spain.
www.texasobserver.org/trump-ice-ar...
www.texasobserver.org/trump-ice-ar...
Trump's ICE Arrested a Whistleblower Who Exposed Sexual Assault in Detention. Now, He’s Left the Country.
Douglas Menjivar is a survivor and activist. He’s also married to a U.S. citizen, but he was caught up in the president’s mass deportation agenda anyway.
www.texasobserver.org
October 20, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Douglas Menjivar spoke out against abuse in ICE detention - and they deported him. This story hits home for me bc Douglas is married to US citizen & AFU member Monica Logan, who was forced to navigate cancer treatments alone. Now they are both exiled in Spain.
www.texasobserver.org/trump-ice-ar...
www.texasobserver.org/trump-ice-ar...
Reposted by Ashley DeAzevedo
Solid story of the forced break-up of an American family. In 1970s, we started to hear about "broken families." We were told it was bad for kids not to have a Dad at home. The culprit then was divorce and feminism.
In 2020s, the U.S. govt intentionally breaks families.
5 minutes worth watching.
In 2020s, the U.S. govt intentionally breaks families.
5 minutes worth watching.
ABC News featured Jenni Rivera’s story of losing her and her kids losing their husband and father to self deportation today. Please watch this video and sit with the agonizing reality that our members at American Families United face right now.
abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/vid...
abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/vid...
October 19, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Solid story of the forced break-up of an American family. In 1970s, we started to hear about "broken families." We were told it was bad for kids not to have a Dad at home. The culprit then was divorce and feminism.
In 2020s, the U.S. govt intentionally breaks families.
5 minutes worth watching.
In 2020s, the U.S. govt intentionally breaks families.
5 minutes worth watching.
ABC News featured Jenni Rivera’s story of losing her and her kids losing their husband and father to self deportation today. Please watch this video and sit with the agonizing reality that our members at American Families United face right now.
abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/vid...
abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/vid...
October 19, 2025 at 5:21 PM
ABC News featured Jenni Rivera’s story of losing her and her kids losing their husband and father to self deportation today. Please watch this video and sit with the agonizing reality that our members at American Families United face right now.
abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/vid...
abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/vid...
This is what our families at American Families United are going through. Listen to Julie’s story here with @austinkocher.com.
Live Discussion: US Citizens Separated from Spouses w/ Julie Moreno
austinkocher.substack.com/p/live-discu...
Live Discussion: US Citizens Separated from Spouses w/ Julie Moreno
austinkocher.substack.com/p/live-discu...
Live Discussion: US Citizens Separated from Spouses w/ Julie Moreno
On Substack Live yesterday, I spoke with Julie Moreno, a U.S. citizen from New Jersey who made the gut-wrenching decision to help her husband of nine years self-deport to Mexico.
austinkocher.substack.com
October 18, 2025 at 5:53 PM
This is what our families at American Families United are going through. Listen to Julie’s story here with @austinkocher.com.
Live Discussion: US Citizens Separated from Spouses w/ Julie Moreno
austinkocher.substack.com/p/live-discu...
Live Discussion: US Citizens Separated from Spouses w/ Julie Moreno
austinkocher.substack.com/p/live-discu...
These immigration raids are separating families, not actually keeping people safe. Read Rep. Tom Suozzi's important article in the New York Times for an important perspective on what's happening with immigration enforcement right now.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/18/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/18/o...
Opinion | We Should Be Cracking Down on the Cartels, Not Chicago
www.nytimes.com
October 18, 2025 at 5:50 PM
These immigration raids are separating families, not actually keeping people safe. Read Rep. Tom Suozzi's important article in the New York Times for an important perspective on what's happening with immigration enforcement right now.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/18/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/18/o...
AFU member Julie Moreno speaks out about her story:
US citizen Julie Moreno supported her Mexican husband, Nefatlí Juárez, in self-deporting for fear of being detained by ICE: ‘We were completely cornered’
english.elpais.com/usa/2025-10-...
US citizen Julie Moreno supported her Mexican husband, Nefatlí Juárez, in self-deporting for fear of being detained by ICE: ‘We were completely cornered’
english.elpais.com/usa/2025-10-...
Self-deportation or detention, the crossroads of 1.4 million couples in the Trump era
US citizen Julie Moreno supported her Mexican husband, Nefatlí Juárez, in self-deporting for fear of being detained by ICE: ‘We were completely cornered’
english.elpais.com
October 15, 2025 at 7:58 PM
AFU member Julie Moreno speaks out about her story:
US citizen Julie Moreno supported her Mexican husband, Nefatlí Juárez, in self-deporting for fear of being detained by ICE: ‘We were completely cornered’
english.elpais.com/usa/2025-10-...
US citizen Julie Moreno supported her Mexican husband, Nefatlí Juárez, in self-deporting for fear of being detained by ICE: ‘We were completely cornered’
english.elpais.com/usa/2025-10-...
Reposted by Ashley DeAzevedo
More than 4 million U.S. families have mixed immigration status. As the Trump administration continues to ramp up deportations, many of these families are preparing emergency plans.
What happens to the kids? Fearing deportation, immigrant parents make contingency plans.
More than 4 million U.S. families have mixed immigration status. As the Trump administration continues to ramp up deportations, many of these families are preparing emergency plans.
n.pr
October 3, 2025 at 1:55 PM
More than 4 million U.S. families have mixed immigration status. As the Trump administration continues to ramp up deportations, many of these families are preparing emergency plans.
Reposted by Ashley DeAzevedo
In case you missed this heartbreaking story from yesterday, please read the thread below and consider sharing it with someone you know who might not be inclined to be compassionate about what’s happening around immigration to try to open up hearts.
I've never seen anything like this in the history of American Families United. 💔
Please read this heartbreaking story of one of our deeply loved members and leaders, Julie Moreno, who just landed back in New Jersey this afternoon from a trip to Mexico.
Here's her story... 🧵 (Then please amplify.)
Please read this heartbreaking story of one of our deeply loved members and leaders, Julie Moreno, who just landed back in New Jersey this afternoon from a trip to Mexico.
Here's her story... 🧵 (Then please amplify.)
October 8, 2025 at 6:33 PM
In case you missed this heartbreaking story from yesterday, please read the thread below and consider sharing it with someone you know who might not be inclined to be compassionate about what’s happening around immigration to try to open up hearts.
“My Husband Self-Deported So He Could Be Free”
As ICE raids intensify, a New Jersey woman’s heartbreak spotlights a growing wave of mixed-status couples choosing exile over the trauma of detention.
Thank you for sharing our stories, @pabloreports.bsky.social.
migrantinsider.com/p/my-husband...
As ICE raids intensify, a New Jersey woman’s heartbreak spotlights a growing wave of mixed-status couples choosing exile over the trauma of detention.
Thank you for sharing our stories, @pabloreports.bsky.social.
migrantinsider.com/p/my-husband...
“My Husband Self-Deported So He Could Be Free”
As ICE raids intensify, a New Jersey woman’s heartbreak spotlights a growing wave of mixed-status couples choosing exile over the trauma of detention.
migrantinsider.com
October 14, 2025 at 7:02 PM
“My Husband Self-Deported So He Could Be Free”
As ICE raids intensify, a New Jersey woman’s heartbreak spotlights a growing wave of mixed-status couples choosing exile over the trauma of detention.
Thank you for sharing our stories, @pabloreports.bsky.social.
migrantinsider.com/p/my-husband...
As ICE raids intensify, a New Jersey woman’s heartbreak spotlights a growing wave of mixed-status couples choosing exile over the trauma of detention.
Thank you for sharing our stories, @pabloreports.bsky.social.
migrantinsider.com/p/my-husband...
ICYMI: Jenni, one of AFU's beloved members, was forced to say goodbye to her best friend and husband of 17 years yesterday. This is NOT okay. The family courageously chose to share their story publicly, so please do YOUR part to share this with people in your lives. 🧵 below
ANOTHER FAMILY SEPARATED BY OUR IMMIGRATION SYSTEM
Immigration Laws Drive North Carolina Father Out of Country, Separating Him from U.S. Citizen Wife and Two Daughters
Immigration Laws Drive North Carolina Father Out of Country, Separating Him from U.S. Citizen Wife and Two Daughters
October 14, 2025 at 3:39 PM
ICYMI: Jenni, one of AFU's beloved members, was forced to say goodbye to her best friend and husband of 17 years yesterday. This is NOT okay. The family courageously chose to share their story publicly, so please do YOUR part to share this with people in your lives. 🧵 below
ANOTHER FAMILY SEPARATED BY OUR IMMIGRATION SYSTEM
Immigration Laws Drive North Carolina Father Out of Country, Separating Him from U.S. Citizen Wife and Two Daughters
Immigration Laws Drive North Carolina Father Out of Country, Separating Him from U.S. Citizen Wife and Two Daughters
October 13, 2025 at 9:28 PM
ANOTHER FAMILY SEPARATED BY OUR IMMIGRATION SYSTEM
Immigration Laws Drive North Carolina Father Out of Country, Separating Him from U.S. Citizen Wife and Two Daughters
Immigration Laws Drive North Carolina Father Out of Country, Separating Him from U.S. Citizen Wife and Two Daughters
I've never seen anything like this in the history of American Families United. 💔
Please read this heartbreaking story of one of our deeply loved members and leaders, Julie Moreno, who just landed back in New Jersey this afternoon from a trip to Mexico.
Here's her story... 🧵 (Then please amplify.)
Please read this heartbreaking story of one of our deeply loved members and leaders, Julie Moreno, who just landed back in New Jersey this afternoon from a trip to Mexico.
Here's her story... 🧵 (Then please amplify.)
October 7, 2025 at 9:48 PM
I've never seen anything like this in the history of American Families United. 💔
Please read this heartbreaking story of one of our deeply loved members and leaders, Julie Moreno, who just landed back in New Jersey this afternoon from a trip to Mexico.
Here's her story... 🧵 (Then please amplify.)
Please read this heartbreaking story of one of our deeply loved members and leaders, Julie Moreno, who just landed back in New Jersey this afternoon from a trip to Mexico.
Here's her story... 🧵 (Then please amplify.)
Because our laws do not provide a straightforward pathway to legal status based on marriage, our US citizen members at AFU thank God every single day that their immigrant spouses come home from work. Please don't forget that arrest, detention, and deportation hurts US citizens in this country, too.
Each arrest, which may or may not lead to a deportation, will also disrupt the lives of the person, family, and friends. With millions of people in mixed-status families, there will be likely US citizens and green-card holders who see a family member picked up; which can have long-term impacts.
U.S. Citizen Children Impacted by Immigration Enforcement
Deportations of parents and family members have serious consequences that affect children and extend to communities and the country as a whole.
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org
October 6, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Because our laws do not provide a straightforward pathway to legal status based on marriage, our US citizen members at AFU thank God every single day that their immigrant spouses come home from work. Please don't forget that arrest, detention, and deportation hurts US citizens in this country, too.
More stories about what our members at American Families United go through on a daily and weekly basis. Listen to "What happens to the kids? Fearing deportation, immigrant parents make contingency plans." on NPR.
www.npr.org/2025/09/22/n...
www.npr.org/2025/09/22/n...
October 6, 2025 at 1:15 PM
More stories about what our members at American Families United go through on a daily and weekly basis. Listen to "What happens to the kids? Fearing deportation, immigrant parents make contingency plans." on NPR.
www.npr.org/2025/09/22/n...
www.npr.org/2025/09/22/n...
Any immigration folks out there trying to build bridges across the political aisle and change hearts and minds? I'm eager to connect with you. Please introduce yourself or tag someone who is doing this work. We need a new approach to fixing America's division.
October 6, 2025 at 1:35 AM
Any immigration folks out there trying to build bridges across the political aisle and change hearts and minds? I'm eager to connect with you. Please introduce yourself or tag someone who is doing this work. We need a new approach to fixing America's division.
Reposted by Ashley DeAzevedo
And these effects show up in our public schools, which are steadily being defunded by vouchers and other privatization schemes.
RESEARCH: Family separation, including the separation of children from parents in mixed-status families, is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, behavioral & emotional issues, sleep disturbances, & stress/distress in children.
updates.apaservices.org/mental-healt...
updates.apaservices.org/mental-healt...
Mental Health and Immigration FAQ
This FAQ focuses on the mental health impacts of detentions, deportations, and family separations in immigrant communities.
updates.apaservices.org
October 5, 2025 at 7:07 PM
And these effects show up in our public schools, which are steadily being defunded by vouchers and other privatization schemes.
RESEARCH: Family separation, including the separation of children from parents in mixed-status families, is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, behavioral & emotional issues, sleep disturbances, & stress/distress in children.
updates.apaservices.org/mental-healt...
updates.apaservices.org/mental-healt...
Mental Health and Immigration FAQ
This FAQ focuses on the mental health impacts of detentions, deportations, and family separations in immigrant communities.
updates.apaservices.org
October 5, 2025 at 6:06 PM
RESEARCH: Family separation, including the separation of children from parents in mixed-status families, is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, behavioral & emotional issues, sleep disturbances, & stress/distress in children.
updates.apaservices.org/mental-healt...
updates.apaservices.org/mental-healt...
Listen to what our American Families United members go through in my talk with @austinkocher.com & @annalekasmiller.bsky.social. I have to believe that when most Americans see someone suffering, they want to help. So let's get these stories out there!
austinkocher.substack.com/p/listen-to-...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/listen-to-...
Listen to "The Forgotten Family Separation Crisis", my Discussion with Ashley DeAzevedo and Anna Lekas Miller About Mixed-Status Couples
Due to Congressional inaction and immigration laws that haven’t kept pace with reality, millions of US citizens live in families where at least one person is, or could be, facing deportation.
austinkocher.substack.com
October 3, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Listen to what our American Families United members go through in my talk with @austinkocher.com & @annalekasmiller.bsky.social. I have to believe that when most Americans see someone suffering, they want to help. So let's get these stories out there!
austinkocher.substack.com/p/listen-to-...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/listen-to-...
Reposted by Ashley DeAzevedo
Tune in at 1pm ET for an important conversation with @austinkocher.com, veteran & immigration researcher, and @afuashley.bsky.social, Executive Director of American Families United, advocating for families impacted by current immigration policies.
🔗 Register Here: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
🔗 Register Here: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: The Forgotten Family Separation Crisis: A Conversation about Mixed-Status Couples with Ashley DeAzevedo from American Families United and Anna Lekas Miller, author of Love Across Borders. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
Join me for an essential conversation about the realities facing mixed-status couples, families where one partner is a U.S. citizen and the other faces potential deportation. This discussion will dispel...
us06web.zoom.us
October 2, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Tune in at 1pm ET for an important conversation with @austinkocher.com, veteran & immigration researcher, and @afuashley.bsky.social, Executive Director of American Families United, advocating for families impacted by current immigration policies.
🔗 Register Here: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
🔗 Register Here: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Press Release: AFU Executive Director to Speak at Virtual Event on Mixed-Status Family Separation Crisis. Free public event will highlight stories of U.S. citizens in mixed-status relationships facing family separation due to our outdated immigration laws. us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
September 30, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Press Release: AFU Executive Director to Speak at Virtual Event on Mixed-Status Family Separation Crisis. Free public event will highlight stories of U.S. citizens in mixed-status relationships facing family separation due to our outdated immigration laws. us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
What are mixed-status families, and how do they navigate the healthcare system, educational system, and legal system?
A new article by Lawyer Monthly digs into the details... 🧵
A new article by Lawyer Monthly digs into the details... 🧵
September 30, 2025 at 2:02 PM
What are mixed-status families, and how do they navigate the healthcare system, educational system, and legal system?
A new article by Lawyer Monthly digs into the details... 🧵
A new article by Lawyer Monthly digs into the details... 🧵