Advocating for Freedom

By Natalie Foote, RILA CEO

Just this month, two of our clients and their family members were granted asylum in Immigration Court because they suffered severe persecution at the hands of the authoritarian and dictatorial governments in their home countries.  These clients openly opposed their governments by embracing the values of democracy, freedom of speech and expression, and a fundamental respect for human rights. While their courage and activism inspires us, we recognize that the joy is bittersweet as they cannot return to the countries they love. 

“Daniela” worked as an executive in the mayor's office of her hometown and regularly participated in peaceful protests against the Venezuelan government. She led community organizing efforts to try and make their voices heard-- to ask for democratic, free and fair elections, security and freedom of speech.  Because of this, the Venezuelan government, through armed paramilitary groups, repeatedly threatened Daniela and her family over a period of several years -- the most severe being when she was kidnapped at gunpoint, left in an abandoned area, and told she would be killed if she didn't leave the country or stop opposing the government.  

In Nicaragua, “Sonia” stood up for justice and freedom and participated in peaceful protests against a corrupt and oppressive dictatorship. She documented how police were violently oppressing peaceful protestors. The Nicaraguan police told her to stop posting incriminating videos on social media or face arrest and detention, or worse. And even after she, her partner and their young daughter fled to the U.S. for safety, the authorities interrogated and beat her sister “Ana” who eventually had to flee as well.  

We witnessed the grace, mercy and love of God for these families this month. We know their strength and resilience will encourage others. We especially hope Sonia’s second-grade daughter, who was with us at Immigration Court that morning, will one day appreciate what her parents risked and sacrificed to stand up for their beliefs so she would have the chance to grow up in a place where she is safe and has freedom to express her thoughts and opinions.