Eduardo

By Alex Dimas, a RILA volunteer

Born in South America, Eduardo* had a good education growing up, as he was enrolled in an international school where he learned English. When he reached his adult life, he met his wife and became a father to two kids. For 15 years, he owned a factory where work uniforms were made, and it became a very successful business.  However, in 2018, the government started claiming private companies as their own. Eduardo chose to take part in a walkout, which is considered an illegal strike, with his fellow employees because not even the lawyers or police could help save his company. The government threatened Eduardo that his house would be burned down if he didn't leave the country. 

With tears in his eyes, he left all that he knew behind, including his family. Eduardo lost his house, his factory and what he financially earned in 15 years worth of hard labor.   A friend of Eduardo’s wife lived in Virginia at this time and let him stay with him for a month while he searched for a job. It wasn’t easy because of the language barrier, and even though he took English classes in his home country.. He eventually found a job as a cook to pay his rent -- working 12-14 hour shifts each day. 

During that time, Eduardo’s visa was about to expire, and he didn’t want to risk being in the US illegally.  He knew he could not safely return to his home country, so he decided to seek asylum.  He remembers arriving at a RILA clinic in his first Uber ride and feeling the love of everybody in that room -- those who approached him to ask if he wanted anything to eat, and those who decided to take on his case. He was grateful that someone there could speak Spanish. Eduardo is thankful that he has now been able to get his work permit, a driver’s license and a chance to rent a space of his own. Although he is still forced to be apart from his family due to the COVID-19 travel ban, he has not lost hope or sight of God throughout his journey.

*Client’s name has been changed to protect his privacy.

Despite being separated from his family, Eduardo says he has not lost hope or sight of God throughout his journey.