Nov. 9, 2019

 

While They Wait was Cause Cabaret's first ever event. Hosted at the Funhouse Lounge November 2019, the event raised $2600 and started a tradition which will be making a positive impact for years to come.

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Cause Cabaret: While They Wait hosted singers, storytellers, comedians, and dancers from the Portland area and benefitted those attempting to legally immigrate the the US. Performers included Drammy winners Michael Teufel and James Sharinghousen, lead singer of Grey for Days Caterina Schwarzkopf, and many more. All proceeds from the event went to the charity fund While They Wait.

 

While They Wait is a joint enterprise between RAICES and the ACLU, assisting immigrants at the southern border. It's purpose is to aid those seeking asylum and other legal status to achieve self-sufficiency during their long, costly wait to see if they will be allowed to stay in the US. Funds raised for While They Wait cover basic necessities, immigration fees, and legal costs for immigrants. 

 

At the time of this event, there were over 1 million open immigration cases in the US, of which over 300,000 were asylum seekers. The average case takes 643 days to resolve. During that time, many immigrants seeking legal status are unable work without expensive and delayed work authorizations. Unlike citizens, they are not always allocated an attorney or other support services. They are often forced to navigate the American legal system alone and in the case of children separated from their parents, some are as young as 3 years old when they do so. For immigrants entering Texas, they can expect an average cost of living of $44,269 with no right to work or right to representation for the nearly 2 year immigration process.

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The While They Wait fund is no longer in use, but you can still help! We recommend the To Dos Together fund, helping provide basic necessities to immigrants throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. To visit their site, click the button below: