
Intersectionality in the American South Immigrant Advocacy and Hospitality in Atlanta: The Work of Casa Alterna
In this episode of Intersectionality in the American South, host Dr. Katie Acosta speaks with Anton Flores-Maisonet, founder of Casa Alterna in Decatur, Georgia, about the organization hospitality and support of asylum seekers and other migrants. Flores-Maisonet shares Casa Alena’s evolution over nearly 20 years—from relationships formed through an immigrant church and cooperative housing, to accompaniment and hospitality near detention sites, to recent daily volunteer presence at Atlanta’s ICE field office. Casa Alterna volunteers provide food, information, risk screening, and referrals to attorneys, while facing increased scrutiny and restricted access. Flores-Maisonet discussed obstacles within the legal immigration system, rising detention numbers and harsh, inconsistent policies, and shares a story from his book Welcome Friends about one asylum seeker’s resilience.
00:00 Show Introduction
00:59 Meet Anton Flores-Maisonet
01:51 Casa Alterna's Mission
03:30 Hospitality And ICE
06:04 Work Evolution Framework
10:10 Pivots with a New Administration
11:28 Faith And Mutual Aid
13:12 Day At ICE Field Office
18:06 Detention Conditions Deteriorate
19:55 Barriers In the Legal Process
28:02 Benny 's Story From Welcome, Friends
32:05 Avoiding Burnout
36:50 Closing And Resources
Learn more about Casa Alterna's work by visitng their website https://casaalterna.org/
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