After the collapse of Kabul, for the first time, I realized that I was homeless.
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El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras have some of the highest homicide rates in the entire world. 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.
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Like many Afghans, after working with Americans and pursuing a Western education, Ali was considered a traitor and an infidel by religious extremists, many of whom are now governing Afghanistan.
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Mariana identifies herself as a “life-long learner, always wanting to learn new things.” She is overflowing with resilience and tenacity. And she is working hard every day as a single mother to love and provide for her daughter, to grow as a medical professional, and to give back to the community that has supported her.
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I appreciate the opportunity to step away from everything else going on in my life and the world to listen to the life experiences of clients – stories that are full of brokenness, pain, and injustice, but are not without hope.
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Eliza says she’s thankful for RILA’s support and especially thankful for her work permit since it gives her “the opportunity to work and provide for [her] daughters and to support them in their school and their goals.”
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Because of Tatiana’s activism, Tatiana’s property was pillaged and her life threatened, especially after she worked to uncover the names of the Chavistas who killed their beloved neighbor in the street as a message to those speaking out against the regime. But she did not stop advocating for democracy in Venezuela.
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Everything about the asylum process is long and cumbersome. But CAM is a straightforward process that gives asylum seekers and victims of crimes the gift of family unity.
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Volunteering at RILA clinics (specifically at the registration desk) is a huge bright spot.
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To be denied asylum is already a difficult thing, but to be denied on a flawed basis when you are legally eligible for relief is much worse; the former may be disappointing and even devastating, but the latter is truly injustice.
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We are very excited to help RILA families reunite with their children through the Central American Minors (CAM) Program!
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In addition to resettlement assistance, newly arrived Afghan families will need help to understand their immigration situation and to apply for permanent legal status in the US which is critical to their ability to work, live and make a life here. And this need will persist over the coming months and years.
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Recently, DHS released a memorandum changing its position regarding prosecutorial discretion (PD). We are very encouraged that this is becoming available for RILA clients!
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Cora is from East Africa, and she is seeking asylum in the US. She was persecuted by her government because of her political opinion and associations.
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Like refugees, asylum-seekers are fleeing persecution and harm in their home countries and seeking international protection since their home governments are not able to protect them. However, when asylum-seekers enter the US, they do not have legal status.
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Hear Javier’s story of hope and resilience.
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This summer internship will provide the intern with a deeper understanding of the needs of asylum seekers, the social service landscape in the DMV area, and experience researching and networking with service providers. This role combines the interests of the intern with the needs of RILA, and will be a substantive and immersive experience.
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I met Jean Claude in 2016 at RILA’s very first clinic. He was grappling with the instability that comes from living without the protection of your home country or legal status in this country. He couldn’t see the way forward, and yet, he had tremendous faith that God was with him.
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What we see each day is that for most UACs, one day it becomes crystal clear that remaining in their home countries means imminent death, always figuratively and often literally.
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The opportunity to obtain driving privilege cards will give RILA clients the critical ability to legally drive.
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