I’m sorry. I’m so, so desperately sorry.

As I write this, my heart is breaking for all the pain that runs through your veins. Pain that is so immense, so immeasurable, and pain that is now so much deeper.

I cannot say I know you or your story. I don’t know your pain. I have only met a few refugees while volunteering with World Relief in Nashville, but the ones I have had privilege of meeting have been some of the most full-of-life and optimistic people I have ever met.

One of the first times volunteering, I met a girl, a high school senior. Just one year separated us. She was overjoyed that day, she had just been accepted into college. She wanted to be a nurse. I remember how excited she was, how badly she wanted to continue her education and now she could. I also remember how nervous she was; she was afraid her courses would be too difficult, that her professors would go too fast over the material. She was worried about making friends. The exact same things I was worried about when I left for college. We never did get around to her homework that day; we talked all about school and her dreams and aspirations. I had just met her that day, but when she left, she hugged me and thanked me.

It seems like a silly realization, but I learned that day how alike we all are. We all want to be loved and accepted. We all want our friends and family to be safe and healthy and happy. We all want what’s best for those we love.

Donald Trump will never see that. He believes you are less because of your nationality and because of your religion. He is selfish and he is ignorant, and he is already hurting people far beyond the country that elected him. You are now the victims of our terrible mistake. You are not terrorists, you are escaping terror.

You did not ask to flee your country and your home. You did not ask to leave friends and family. You did not ask to have so much be taken from you and now our president has found one more thing to take away from you.

If you’re reading this, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for so many things, things I cannot even find the words to express. But know this: we will keep fighting for you. We will fight for your safety. We will fight to give you all of the things that we as Americans take for granted. We will continue to help you in any way we can, because we understand that although you may be different from us, you still deserve our help.

There is some good news, however; in response to Trump’s outrageous act, the public has rallied in support of refugees everywhere. Love outpours from those protesting, from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who announced via Twitter, “To those fleeing persecution, terror and war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength.” Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky took his own stand and his company is now offering free housing for refugees and anyone not allowed in the U.S. Once forgotten, your voices- the voices of refugees- are being heard now like never before.

Please don’t ever lose hope. You are brave and you are courageous, and we will keep fighting for you.