When Fear is a Constant Presence

By Israel Ortega, RILA Volunteer

The tragedies unfolding in Ukraine have shaken the world to its core. Images of refugees, including mothers and children, fleeing for their lives have been seared into our collective memory. Sadly, there is a daily human tragedy story happening here closer to home.

According to a recent study by the Council on Foreign Relations, the Central American countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras – also known collectively as the Northern Triangle – have some of the highest homicide rates in the entire world. Just last year, another report found that violence against women at the hands of their partners and family members is continuing to drive migrants out of the Northern Triangle.

None of this is a surprise to the lawyers, note-takers, and interpreters – like me – who are meeting with RILA clients desperate to find refuge in the U.S.

They tell us stories of living under constant fear. When asked about law enforcement, clients tell us that most are either too scared to confront the perpetrators or are on the organized crime’s payroll.

This helps explain why most homicides in Latin America go unsolved and why so many of our clients risk their lives to make their way to the United States.

The stories are heart wrenching.

A young mother has told me about the sleepless nights she endured in her home country knowing that her husband could be killed coming home from work. 

Teenagers and young adults have told me about the constant harassment they endured from violent gangs and criminals unless they either joined their gangs or paid them a “fee” to be left alone.

Some stories leave you so emotionally spent that they stay with you long after the RILA clinic is over. 

But for every horrific story I’ve heard, I have also been fortunate enough to have been in the same room when clients hear from our staff that they have been granted a work permit. The joy is palpable and contagious. 

And as an immigrant from Mexico who also had to go through a similar process, it’s incredibly personal for me and reminds me of how incredibly happy my family and I were when we no longer lived in fear of having to leave the states.

RILA is providing a critical service for refugees from Central American and other parts of the world, who call Northern Virginia home. I am honored to be associated with such a committed group of staff members, volunteers and supporters who make up the RILA family.

Mel Chang