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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