Esmerelda

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery in which victims -- often from the most vulnerable populations -- are subjected to force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of commercial sex, debt bondage, or involuntary labor. Victims of severe forms of human trafficking are provided relief under U.S. immigration law by the Victims of Trafficking in Persons (T) nonimmigrant visa. RILA is proud to have helped Esmerelda* obtain her T Visa so she can safely rebuild her life in the U.S.

A couple years ago, my mother and I had to leave my country for complex reasons, leaving behind the rest of my family. The journey into this country itself was difficult; I was separated from my mother, and I crossed into this country alone without knowing what would become of me, not knowing anybody. But God put good-hearted people in my life who helped me settle down and establish myself as a person. Thank you to RILA, who helped me obtain status in this country and made me able to get my T visa, so now I have a work permit and can help my family. I know there is a long way still to go, but this is a huge accomplishment that I wanted to share, and thank RILA and Natalie for all their support. I hope you will be able to go on continuing to help others who need it.

Hace un par de años tuve que salir de mi país junto a mi madre por situaciones complejas dejando a mi familia, la travesía para llegar a este país fue muy difícil fui separada de mi mamá y me cruzaron a este país sola sin saber que seria de mi, donde no conocía a nadie, pero Dios puso personas de buen corazón que me ayudaron a establecerme como persona y a RILA que me ayudo a obtener un estatus en este país, gracias a ellos obtuve mi vista T y ahora tengo un permiso de trabajo y puedo ayudar a mi familia se que falta un largo camino, pero este es un gran logro que quiero compartirles y agradecer a RILA y Natalie por todo su apoyo espero que puedan seguir ayudando a mas personas que lo necesitan.

*Name has been changed.