Mariana

 Mariana* is a good mother. She always has been. “I live for my children” she says. She encourages her children to work hard in school, to stay away from tattoos and gangs. And she works hard to provide them with everything they need.

Mariana used to work the night shifts at a restaurant, tirelessly working to make sure her children had food, clothing, and shelter. But while she was away, Mariana's husband Lorenzo*, the father of their children, would get drunk and sexually assault their nine-year-old son Benito*. Lorenzo threatened Benito not to tell Mariana about the abuse, and she had no idea it was going on until one night she came home early and found Lorenzo abusing Benito.

Lorenzo was arrested, and Mariana was left with the emotional trauma of her son’s abuse as well as bills that she was not able to pay on her own. It was a horribly traumatic time in Mariana and her family's life. Mariana would cry endlessly, at home and at work. “I would see an ambulance, and I would cry.” In addition to her regular expenses, Mariana also found herself responsible for paying months of rent and bills that were owed by Lorenzo; she had no idea how she was going to pay this debt because her job didn't give her enough hours, and she didn't have the legal documents she needed to search for a new job. Finally, she found American Gateways.

American Gateways helped her file for and obtain a U-Visa. Her attorney Natalia “put in all the effort in the world”, and now Mariana has the legal documents she needs to find a better job. She told us, “I only want to thank you all, upon receiving these papers the doors were opened to me. With these papers that you gave me I am taking another step forward. With these papers, I feel more secure, because I know that wherever I go they can give me a job. It is a huge happiness.”

Now, Mariana hopes to study and learn English, to put her children through school, and to find a job that can give her more hours so she can give her children a better life. “I am very happy and thankful... I would be lying if I said my life was the same, it isn't.”

*Name changed

Gabriela

 Gabriela* is a very strong woman. In her own words, she is “irreverent, revolutionary, allergic to any type of authority.” These words are supported by her actions, as she fought tirelessly for women's rights despite opposition and abuse in her home country. “[There] a husband can murder his wife and everything is fine. Everyone agrees.” When she began to express her opinion that men did not have the right to subjugate women, and that women therefore had a right to equal protection in the family and judicial system, she was threatened and beaten harshly by her husband.

Gabriela continued fighting for what she believed to be right, even as the abuse grew exceedingly cruel. Gabriela divorced her abusive husband and sought protection from the authorities, but her husband, a high-ranking military officer, used his connections to prevent her from receiving help. Still, she remained strong, and formed her own group for women who had been abused by their military spouses and denied police protection; in her opinion, “If you don't accept something, you have to fight for it.” Nevertheless, Gabriela continued to receive threats from her former husband and, fearing for her safety, she finally fled to the United States.

Through a women's shelter in the U.S. where she sought help, Gabriela was put in touch with American Gateways. “I was in the desert, and American Gateways was a Coca Cola”. American Gateways helped her file for asylum, and won. However, the ruling was appealed and the appellation process lasted ten years, but finally Gabriela was granted asylum in the United States. “Thanks be to God that I came to this country that is so beautiful, the best in the world! Long live liberty!... Here, I have rights. There [in my home country], I didn't. The constitution here is the best. It is not perfect, but it is the best that there is.”

Gabriela is so grateful for everything that she received at American Gateways. “Everything that I am is because of American Gateways. God willing that American Gateways helps many more women, because it is so hard... American Gateways is the most formidable [organization] that there is. The pro bono attorneys here are greatly needed... Here, they orient you. They tell you your rights, what you can do. They support you, with these arms [weapons]”. She now wants to study politics and start a shelter for women like her.

*Name changed

Why I'm an intern with American Gateways

After finishing up my second year at the University of Texas School of Law I knew I wanted an opportunity to build on my knowledge from the semester in which I participated in the UT Immigration Clinic. I immediately became interested in interning at American Gateways because it was a non-profit organization that dealt specifically with immigration matters. In particular, I admired the organization’s dedication to ensure individuals are given equal and competent representation regardless of their immigration or socioeconomic status.

Due largely in part to my ethnicity as a Mexican-American, I have always been greatly interested in immigration. My parents decided to move to the United States from Mexico only a couple of years before I was born. Although my parents had a fairly easy time immigrating and becoming citizens, I have personally witnessed the great difficulty and extreme sacrifices others face in navigating our complicated legal system and gaining legal immigration status.

In college and law school I took several classes that only served to spike my interest in the field. These classes shed light on the grave injustices that immigrants often face. I believe that American Gateways is an organization that attempts to correct many of these injustices by providing assistance to individuals who lack representation and a means to assert many of their basic rights. Additionally, the organization helps immigrants by giving them the knowledge and basic tools to help them become stronger self-advocates.

In addition to all these reasons I believe this summer will help me build on my experiences thus far and allow me to return for my final year of law school more able to understand the practical application of the law that I am learning in my courses.

How American Gateways Changed My Perspective

by Jost Lunstroth

I came to American Gateways expecting more of the same. I grew up in Houston immersed in immigrant communities, and studied issues of migration extensively while in college. I applied for an internship at American Gateways because of my desire to spend the summer working close to home, and because of my desire to work in some sort of public-interest job. What I had really wanted, though, was a job concerned with rights more broadly, either human or civil rights. I did not wish to become pigeon-holed into working forever with migration. 

All my expectations have now been blown away. Working here is an amazing experience. For the people whose cases American Gateways has the resources to take, we become an integral part of their lives. It can seem as if a client's life is being thrown around at the whim of some larger-than-life forces, until American Gateways is able to provide some stable ground upon which the client can stand. Even if the case is ultimately denied, I feel as if the moral support itself is invaluable to our clients. And fortunately, American Gateways wins the vast majority of its clients’ cases.

The real sad part, though, is understanding first-hand how many excellent cases for asylum, for relief from domestic violence, human trafficking, and for victims of various other crimes and circumstances, have to be turned away. The organization simply does not have the resources to represent all the deserving people who have never been represented before, or have been misrepresented and defrauded by people who take advantage of them. In spite of it all, or perhaps because of it, working with the people we are able to represent has been, and continues to be, perhaps the most powerful experience of my life.

Jost Lunstroth, from the University of Michigan Law School, is one of 3 summer law clerks at American Gateways.

Iveth

We are proud of Iveth for sharing her personal story at the American Gateways Annual Gala last week at the Long Center.

Iveth was in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship, too terrified to leave her husband, a US citizen, because she was afraid her immigration status would be revoked. But she summoned the courage to leave him and sought out therapy and shelter through SafePlace.

Through SafePlace, Iveth was put in touch with American Gateways and one of our attorneys, Natalia Drelichman. Iveth found out that she could petition for a visa based on the abuse she suffered through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). American Gateways helped her fill out a mountain of complex paperwork, prepare for the interview, and provided representation for her.

We were delighted when Iveth received her authorization to work in the US and later her legal permanent resident status. Now she is able to freely pursue her dream of becoming a dentist, apply for financial aid, obtain a drivers license, and travel to see her family in her home nation without fear of being deported.

Iveth is profoundly grateful for the help she received here at American Gateways and we are proud to have assisted her in transitioning away from a life of fear and abuse and towards a life of pursuing the American Dream.

Why I'm a summer intern with American Gateways

by Amy Hathaway

I have just finished my third year at the University of Texas, and was searching for an internship for the summer where I could practice my Spanish because I am interested in becoming a court interpreter after I graduate. I stumbled upon American Gateways and as I researched more into the organization I fell in love with it because of its focus helping immigrants in need.

My compassion for the immigrant community began with a couple trips to Ciudad Juárez in 2005 and 2006. I saw people living in extreme poverty, yearning for a better life, and willing and determined to work hard to achieve their dreams. Since then I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Juárez and its people.

As I continued studying Spanish (and later Portuguese) over the years, I learned much about not only the language but also the culture and societal conditions in much of Latin America. I have heard heart-wrenching stories of violence, oppression, and poverty. I have made friends of an international community who have shared their immigration stories with me. My roommate is a second generation American whose parents came to the United States fleeing civil war in their country.

All of these experiences and relationships have given me a desire to help people who no one else will. American Gateways does exactly that. They help people with no other options, and I am excited and proud to be a part of that. I am eager to not only help the immigrant community, but to educate the Austin and Central Texas community about immigration issues and immigrants.

Metropolitan Breakfast Club

On March 31st, American Gateways board president Oliver Bernstein and General Counsel Edna Yang spoke at Austin's Metropolitan Breakfast Club on the topic of "Correcting Misperceptions = the Facts about the Immigrant Community in Texas."

At the Metropolitan Breakfast Club, Oliver Bernstein and Edna Yang (center) of American Gateways appear with Corrie MacLaggan (left) and Mike O'Krent (right). Photo courtesy of www.jamesfbland.com

We encourage community groups, service clubs, student and neighborhood groups and others to invite American Gateways to come speak about immigration issues, even if your group meets at 6:30 in the morning! 

We work hard to dispel myths and misconceptions about immigrants and immigration.  Contact us to request a speaker.

Learn more about American Gateways' work on behalf of immigrants in Central Texas.

Volunteer Appreciation Party Highlights the Heroes Who Make a Difference

On February 15, American Gateways celebrated its second annual Volunteer Appreciation and Open House Reception. It was an informal gathering of more than 50 volunteers and board members to celebrate its accomplishments over 24 years. A number of reasons and experiences led the guests into becoming active in American Gateways.

Pro-Bono Attorney Jackie Watson joined American Gateways because of her experience around an immigrant community.

“I’m from South Texas and grew up on both sides of the border.”

She originally joined American Gateways as a staff attorney as soon as she graduated from the U.T. Law School. Now, she works at the Law Offices of Thomas Esparza and regularly volunteers to help American Gateways’ clients.

“I can’t leave! It made me the attorney I am today.”

Many volunteers recall going through the immigration process, themselves.

“I came as a student in 1997 when a civil war broke out [in the Congo],” recalls volunteer, Melanie Otemoyolo.

She received asylum in 1999, but still had to wait to bring her family to America. She didn’t know whether her three children and husband were alive. Otemoyelo remembers finally seeing them come to the U.S. after several years.

“My youngest daughter didn’t remember me! That was the hardest part.” She has been a volunteer translator for more than three years.

Pro-Bono Coordinator and Staff Attorney Natalie Hansen remembers going to school and passing migrant workers every day in her farming community in Oregon. Oregon has a large berry industry which relies heavily on migrant workers. She became interested in immigration and studied law in Seattle, after which she moved to Austin. She wanted to work in an interesting, diverse city, serving those who need her expertise the most. Hansen mainly matches pro-bono attorneys with clients, but she also helps with outreach.

“I really want to see more of the non-immigrant community understand immigrant groups,” she says.

Whatever the reason for becoming a part of American Gateways, the volunteers made a huge impact on the lives of abused women, terrified refugees, and others who simply want a better future. They provided more than 5,000 hours of representation, translation and support. Despite a slowing economy and reduction in government funding, American Gateways provided services to 58% more people last year than in 2009. After more than twenty years, American Gateways continues to represent an often overlooked and feared segment of our community.

This story was written by Sonia Jacob, American Gateways volunteer.



Five Questions with Board President Oliver Bernstein

Oliver Bernstein is the president of the board of directors of American Gateways.  As American Gateways reaches out to former board members in advance of our Golden Anniversary in 2012, he recently responded to five questions.Oliver Bernstein (3nd from right) with current and former board members and volunteers.

Oliver, you're our board president.  Why are you reaching out to former board members of American Gateways and PAPA*?

We want to thank former board members for building the foundation for this successful organization. It took a dedicated group of volunteers to get American Gateways started, and the tens of thousands of immigrants and refugees that we serve owe our longevity to our early leadership.

What legacies have earlier boards of directors left for the current board?

Board members at American Gateways don't just serve their terms and then disappear; they become part of a family. Each board member keeps with them their passion for ensuring access to justice for immigrants and refugees, sharing it with friends and colleagues, bringing more support and awareness to the critical work we do.

What do former board members and other who were involved with us in the past need to know about American Gateways today?

American Gateways maintains the commitment to justice that got all of us involved in the first place. But we have also grown and evolved to serve even more people in need and to provide a wider variety of services as the immigration landscape has changed. When we started as PAPA in 1987, we really were focused on political asylum cases, were focused in Austin and had a grassroots, "project" feel. The spirit is still here, but we now champion immigrant clients across Central Texas with a variety of needs, including domestic violence victims, trafficking victims, detainees and clients on their path to citizenship.

What can former board members, and members of our community, do to in the years to come in order to help secure justice for immigrants in our area, and to help American Gateways remain a strong service provider?

We all need to educate ourselves and correct misperceptions about immigrants and refugees. Learning more about immigration from experts like the staff members at American Gateways helps us to understand our community. We welcome volunteers, pro bono attorneys and others who seek a more welcoming America where newcomers can receive quality legal representation. And we run on financial support from the community and appreciate our new and long-time donors.

One day you'll be a former board member - no doubt many years from now. Will the U.S. achieve justice for immigrants by our 50th anniversary in 2037, or will immigrants still be in need of services from groups like American Gateways?

In many ways American Gateways fills in the gaps in our immigration system, helping people who are left in detention centers without recourse or victims of domestic violence who need to get away from their abusers. We will continue to support immigrants and refugees years into the future, because America has always been a country of immigrants. As a board of directors, we try to monitor the latest developments on immigration policy and make sure we adapt the organization to best serve our clients. We hope that conditions for immigrants improve substantially over the next 50 years, but either way, we hope to still be here, serving as many people as we can.

*American Gateways was known as PAPA, the Political Asylum Project of Austin, from 1987 until 2008.

"God bless every inch of this office!"

Here's a few comments from some of our recent client evaluations.  We're thrilled to pass along our clients' 'thank you' messages to the supporters and volunteers who give the money and the time to make our work possible.

• “We are forever grateful for the help we received! We look forward to the future in this great country where you gave us the possibility to establish our new life in liberty!”

•  “For me, all of you are fantastic people! Angels sent by God to liberate us from anguish! Thank God!”

• “Everyone who works here is excellent and thank you very very much for the help and information you offered me!”

• “I found my lawyer to be very helpful, smart, and communicative! Great work! I am very appreciative!”

• “I thank you with all of my heart for the help you gave me! If I was not so lucky to be offered your services, I would be in a very bad situation right now!”

• “I never thought that my 10 years of domestic abuse by my husband would one day have a happy ending! Thank you to all of you for your help and time!  Now nobody hits me, nobody violates me and my right to live freely. I am a new woman with many goals for the future, I want to learn, and all of this is because of this organization!”

Receive our thanks by getting involved today.  Thank you!

José Luis Manzo

American Gateways welcomed an international visitor.  For the past few weeks, José Luis Manzo, Coordinator of el Centro de Derechos Humanos del Migrante Beato Juan Bautista Scalabrini in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, has been American Gateways' guest in Austin, where he's collaborated with our staff, participated in our program services including visiting Immigrant Detention Facilities such as Hutto, and built strong relationships in order to foster protection of human rights of people along the Texas-Mexico border.  José Luis told American Gateways his personal story of dedication to human rights.

Day of the Migrant, Nuevo Laredo

En Español

My name is José Luis Manzo, and I'm originally from the state of Michoacán in Mexico. I have a bachelor's degree in philosophy and I'm the Coordinator of the Centro de Derechos Humanos del Migrante Beato Juan Bautista Scalabrini in the city of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Twenty years ago, when I began to hear about the newly created National Commission for Human rights in Mexico, I thought, "one day I will work for human rights". This idea stayed with me and since then, I have maintained my interest, educating myself about the subject.

When I turned 23 (in 1998), I had my first  volunteer service experience in the Casa de Migrante in Ciudad Juárez, a Catholic Mission that was administered by the missionaries of San Carlos.  Listening to the stories of the migrants from Central America, the difficulties that they encountered on the path to the north, and the abusive situations of which they were the victims, my desire grew. I wanted to do something more than just serve them food and offer them a place in the mission where they could rest and spend the night. After two years of volunteering, I entered into seminary with the Congregation Scalabriniana, considering it the best way to achieve my dream.

For personal reasons, I left the seminary for a year and in January of 2002, I returned to Ciudad Juárez where I continued with my volunteer service and had another personal job to pay the bills. At the end of 2002, Father Francisco, a Scalabriniano, launched the project of the Center of Human Rights for Migrants, through which I had close contact with people who worked on inter-institutional links, legal assistance, and education.

In 2003, I re-entered into the seminary, where I remained until April of 2008 after finishing my first year of Theology in Manila, the Philippines. That country experiences a strong flow of emigrants toward the United States of America and other countries. I returned to Mexico, having left the seminary and, therefore, the religious life, and while I was with my family in Michoacán, I received a call asking me if I would be interested in working for the Center of Human Rights for Migrants, which I currently run. My response was immediate and without a second thought. I said YES. That is how I ended up in Nuevo Laredo on the 17th of May in 2008. I began my work as Coordinator the following month.

The Center has been running for about two-and-a-half years thanks to resources provided by Catholic Relief Services and we currently work on a project with three other organizations and the Ford Foundation along the length of the northern border of Mexico; through these other institutions, I now have the opportunity to share and clearly see the work that the people of American Gateways have done to support the migrant population in Austin, Texas. The project with the Ford Foundation consists of three goals: the detection and documentation of migrant abuse cases in the United States of America before the migrants are deported, the formation of the organizations that work with migrants in northern Mexico, and lastly, the binational cooperation in migratory policies, a job which requires the support of organization in the United States, like American Gateways.

My work in the Center for Human Rights is based on interviewing the migrants that have become victims of abuse at the hands of a Mexican authority or of organized crime. When the information is sufficient, a complaint can be sent to the State Commission of Human Rights in Tamaulipas, {which keeps track of it, but in an unstable manner} because the migrants do not stay long in the city, but move continually, which occasionally makes the work complicated.

I provide the migrants what they need, basic legal advice. I say basic because, in Mexico, we do not rely on migratory policies like those in the United States of America, and we rely on immigration judges even less. When a foreign citizen – documented or not – deals with the legal system, they are examined by a criminal judge. I find this very wrong, especially when the migrant has not truly participated in a crime. Thanks to the pressure of the organizations that work on the side of the migrants, we have been able to reform a few of the laws that not only favor migrants, but those who promote and defend their human rights and those who were previously seen as delinquents before the eyes of the Mexican government.

As Coordinator, I also help in the area of education at the Center. The field in this area is not completely open and there is still resistance on the part of the academics in high schools and universities against the teaching of migrant issues and human rights in some local churches. However, we have still been able to continue the process of providing that education. Personally, with my friends from the university (where I am studying psychology) I have spurred their interest on the subject and I know that they will take it upon themselves to share with other people what I have shared with them. For me, this is an informal way to educate other people and change their ideas and their points of view with respect to migrants and their rights in Mexico. Their interest to know more about the work that I do with migrants is continually growing and that makes my work authentically valuable.

In the few days that I have spent with the people at American Gateways, I have really felt at home. I feel like we speak the same language and that we work hand in hand with one goal in mind: that migrants have access to justice and that their rights be recognized wherever they go. It is very pleasing to see the success that American Gateways has had as an organization working for the defense of and legal representation for migrants that don't have the ability to pay a lawyer to carry their case. I know the closeness that this organization has not only with its clients, but also with all who support this work. I've heard stories of people who have benefitted from the work that the organization does and I know of the good hearts of every one of its members- people who do this work simply to help those who need it.

This is my story in which my dream from long ago, to work for human rights, has been made a reality.

Why I help American Gateways' clients

by Heather Busby, pro bono attorney

Heather BusbyAs a public interest lawyer, I was drawn to helping domestic violence survivors.  I had volunteered with American Gateways before law school and wanted more exposure to immigration law in my practice.  I requested a pro bono assignment from American Gateways because so many immigrants urgently need legal protection to deal with abusive relationships.  It felt great to help someone while gaining invaluable experience with immigration law.

My most recent case involved Jodi,* a mother who emigrated from Mexico.  Since coming to the United States, Jodi had been in two abusive relationships.  Jodi was an ideal client who showed up to all her appointments and it was a delight to work with her.  It was really cool to see the look on her face when she was granted her U-visa, which provides immigration status to noncitizen crime victims who have suffered substantial criminal abuse.  I felt like my work had truly made a difference in her life.  Because of this case, Jodi can support her children outside of an abusive environment and move forward with her new life.

Working with American Gateways on cases such as Jodi’s helped diversify my professional skills.  Working directly with the clients referred by American Gateways made me more aware of the power dynamics that often force immigrants to stay in an abusive relationship.  And when I encounter immigrants in my day-to-day work, I have increased knowledge about the remedies available to them and how they can access services.

For me, pro bono work is an excellent way to utilize the tools afforded me through my legal education and license to make a difference in people’s lives.  Many of the clients that American Gateways helps have suffered extreme abuse, but by offering counsel to those who cannot afford it, new Americans can get the justice they deserve.

American Gateways depends on attorneys like Heather Busby and law firms volunteering their time and resources in order to increase the number of refugees, violence victims and immigrants we are able to help.  We're grateful for Heather and the dozens of attorneys who volunteer with us.

*Name changed to protect privacy.



Why I Give my Time to American Gateways

by Ryan Sullivan, American Gateways Volunteer

I have lived in Austin for four years, and I feel at home everywhere in the city.  Austin has a culture of acceptance and awareness.  Its residents passionately promote a diverse array of social causes, but generally meet opposition with curiosity rather than anger.  My beliefs have been challenged in this city, but I always felt like I was given a fair shake.  As a result, I proudly identify as an Austinite and wish to improve my community.  I believe that this process is a rule of community-building: a feeling of acceptance, a sense of identity within a community, and finally an urge to give back.

Unfortunately, fragments of our national and local communities are invisible to much of the mainstream public.  Refugees are invisible legally—held in facilities without the right to legal representation unless they can afford an attorney, forced to fight for asylum in an unfamiliar system.  Refugees and detained immigrants are also socially invisible.  They are a marginalized group whose misfortunes do not attract the same amount of media attention or empathy as people with a stable residency status.  Immigrants from many different backgrounds live in Central Texas for various amounts of time, often permanently relocating here.  By offering legal help to these immigrants, American Gateways shares our nation’s ideal of “justice for all” with an otherwise invisible group.

I want to work with American Gateways because its goals are to help with specific cases rather than to influence a situation that is mired in partisan gridlock.  I want to help people that are trying to improve their own lives or reunite their family.  These efforts are also essential to families that have enjoyed the United States’ opportunities for many generations.  New Americans need to feel that they are treated impartially by our laws and practices in order for them to identify with their community.  The goal is not to give hand-outs or damage the American economy, but to nurture our culture of social awareness and growth.

My great-grandfather came from Ireland to Ellis Island over a hundred years ago.  He did not find an easy life, but he was given an opportunity to make an honest living.  He rapidly changed roles from foreigner to hard-working American by serving his new community with a long career as a police officer.  He retired as a Captain in the New York Police Department after thirty years of service.  My great-grandfather’s life is a legend in my family, keeping the memory alive of how we came to America.  Three generations later, his story is an anchor for my values of hard work and service.

This sort of story exists in every American family that can trace its roots back to immigration, because at one time or another, every family came to the U.S. from another country.  This sort of story has imprinted itself on our national consciousness to form our most important values.  New Americans should not be met with hostility, or be forced to search for the light of justice on their own.  In order to make our country’s future brighter, we must cultivate our national institutions of acceptance and opportunity.  I hope my work with American Gateways will help a few people feel more at home.

Opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily an official position of American Gateways.  Visit our volunteer page to learn more about becoming an American Gateways volunteer like Ryan.  Email us to submit your own story of being an immigrant or how immigrants impact your life.



Listen to volunteers talking about getting involved with our clients.

American Gateways is the July 2010 Community Spotlight on KUT Radio, 90.5 FM in Austin.

To listen now to our radio spot, click here.

American Gateways executive director tells a client story

The Story of Mykel, A Child Whose Family Has Been Helped by American Gateways

This is the story of one of American Gateways’ clients. I’ll call him Mykel, though that is not his real name.

Mykel fled his home country with a family member because they were being persecuted, even receiving death threats, because of their religious beliefs.  When they arrived in the United States, they immediately contacted immigration officials and asked for asylum.  Immigration officials immediately locked them up in an immigrant detention center.

That’s where we first Mykel, at the T. Don Hutto immigrant detention facility in Taylor.  He was two years old at the time. He turned three during the 7 months he and his mother were held in this facility, which until recently was used to imprison entire immigrant families and now houses only women.

Just after Mykel turned three, an American Gateways attorney represented Mykel and his family before the San Antonio immigration court, and the judge granted them asylum.

Mykel’s family did not get to celebrate though. The Immigrations and Customs Prosecutor immediately appealed the judge’s decision, as they almost always do with favorable asylum decisions these days.  They put the shackles back on Mykel’s mother’s wrists and ankles and transported them back to the Hutto facility.

A few days later, we held a conference call with that ICE prosecutor, during which he decided to withdraw the appeal and admitted the request for asylum was valid.  We think part of his change of heart might have had something to do with the call he had gotten from a reporter earlier that day.  How that reporter found about Mykel’s story remains shrouded in mystery, as does how she got that ICE Prosecutor’s direct office phone number.

Today, Mykel lives in Chicago, where his mother has a great job. Mykel, now 4, is brushing up his English in preparation for beginning kindergarten.

We know this, because a couple of weeks ago, we got a letter from Mykel’s mom letting us know how they are doing. Paper clipped to the letter was a check for $1,000, a contribution to, as Mykel’s mom put it, help us help others like her Mykel.

by Chris Jimmerson, American Gateways Executive Director



Carmen from Guatelmala

Carmen grew up in Guatemala and began dating Hector when she was 16. When she tried to break up with him, he threatened that he would kill himself, so she stayed in the relationship and they married. When Carmen became pregnant a year later, Hector decided to move to Austin in search of better economic opportunities. Carmen was afraid to make the journey, but she had always dreamed of having a family and she didn’t want to separate from her child’s father, so she agreed to go.

While in Austin, Carmen endured physical, psychological, economic, and sexual abuse from Hector, even while she was pregnant with their second child. Hector worked two jobs and learned English through his work, but he prevented Carmen from leaving the house, working, maintaining friendships, or learning English. Carmen thought about leaving Hector, but she was afraid of raising her children on her own and she wanted her children to have a relationship with their father. On one occasion of abuse, Carmen tried to call the police, but Hector prevented her from doing so and hid with their children for a week. After this incident, Carmen was afraid of reaching out for help, for fear that she would lose contact with her children.

One day a neighbor heard yelling in Carmen’s apartment and called the police. The police arrived and, since Hector spoke English, he convinced the police that the situation was under control.  After the police left he assaulted Carmen. The next day, Carmen decided that she had to leave Hector, and, while Hector was at work, she called the police and explained the situation to a translator. The police helped Carmen find shelter at Safeplace, and Carmen gave the police information about Hector’s schedule; this information helped them arrest Hector that evening when he came home from work. Carmen obtained a protective order and testified during Hector’s trial.



T-Visa Client, Graciela

Graciela is a young mother from El Salvador. When her three year old daughter became very sick and needed expensive medical care, Graciela decided to come to the U.S. to earn money for her daughter. Through mutual friends, Graciela met a woman named Antonia, who offered to bring her to the U.S.; although Graciela couldn’t pay the full $7,000 she would be charged for the journey, Antonia said she would help Graciela find work to pay her back when they arrived.

When Graciela arrived in Austin, Antonia brought her to a restaurant and bar, where she was to work to pay off her debt to Antonia. Graciela worked eleven hours daily, and she lived in Antonia’s house with two other women in the same situation and several other men. Antonia’s husband raped Graciela and forced her to have intercourse with men he brought to the house; Antonio and her husband kept all of Graciela’s earnings. They also beat Graciela regularly, especially when she complained about her treatment. She was not allowed to leave the house except to work, and when she tried to escape once, Antonia beat her severely and threatened to kill Graciela’s daughter, who was living in El Salvador with Graciela’s parents.

One day the police arrived at the restaurant, and Graciela was arrested, along with the other women working there. When the police interviewed Graciela and realized that she was a victim of human trafficking, they referred her to American Gateways.

American Gateways helped Graciela obtain legal status in the U.S., separate and apart from her abusers, using the law's T-Visa provisions.

Sandra

Sandra first met her husband Mike while she was a waitress in a Thai restaurant.  At first, he came into the restaurant only occasionally, and she always managed to wait on his table.  He was young, handsome, charming, and very comfortable with American culture.  After all, he had been born and raised here, but even so, he spoke perfect Thai.  They began dating.  He took her away from the drab world of waitressing in a neighborhood restaurant and showed her a life that young American couples can enjoy.  She met his family and friends, all good people.  After a few months of dating, Mike asked Sandra to marry him, promising to support her in all her dreams.  Sandra was thrilled with the prospects of her new life with the man she loved. 

Their wedding was small.  Sandra had no family in the area who could attend.  Mike invited only his immediate family.  They talked about having children and buying a home.  They enjoyed their time together.  Sandra continued to work while they saved up money for a home.  Gradually, however, it seemed that Mike’s behavior began to change.  He began to belittle Sandra’s appearance, her lack of education, and her heavily accented English.  The belittling evolved into hurtful insults about her intelligence and the origins of her family.  Soon after their first child was born, Mike ran Sandra and the baby out of the house during a fight. 

A year later, Mike and Sandra reunited for their son.  She became pregnant.  He did not allow them to go outside while he was not home, or even open up the curtains. He did not permit Sandra any access to a bank account-she had to live off what cash he gave her.  His drinking got worse and his insults escalated into physical threats.  The tension at home was palpable.  When Sandra told him that she was going to leave, Mike threatened to kill himself in front of her and their young son.  Things worsened to the point that Sandra had to seek therapy for depression.

After five years of marriage, Mike declared that he loved someone else.  He abandoned their home, leaving Sandra with two young children.  Now in economic straights, Sandra sought help from community agencies, including American Gateways.  With an American Gateways attorney handling her case, Sandra received her lawful permanent residency.  One of her goals is to get a GED in order to provide a better life for her children.  Her most important goal is to minimize the impact on the children of Mike’s abandonment. 

Ester

Ester is from Cameroon. She met Eric shortly after she came to the United States on a work visa.  Eric helped Ester adjust to life in the U.S.   They started a relationship, and after six months, they were married.  At first, Ester and Eric were happy, but then Ester began to notice changes in Eric's behavior.  He became jealous and aggressive.  If he caught Ester talking to a neighbor or friends, he’d curse at her and call her names.  During one argument, Eric threw a glass bowl at Ester in the kitchen, shattering it.

Around the same time, Ester found out that Eric was cheating.  They separated for a time.  While they were separated, Eric called Ester constantly and stalked her at work, telling her that he was going to have her deported if she didn’t get back with him.  Ester was scared and confused.  Ultimately, at the urging of her church pastor, Ester decided to give Eric one more chance.  They reconciled and had a daughter the following year. 

But after the reconciliation, Eric’s abusive behavior escalated.  Ester was scared to leave because of Eric’s repeated threats to have her deported.  Ester finally reached out for help.  She called American Gateways and found out that American Gateways could file an immigration petition based on the abuse she suffered through the Violence Against Women Act. 

Because of the services American Gateways provided, Ester was able to obtain her permanent residency less than a year after leaving Eric for good.  Ester now has a steady job and lives independently with her daughter.

Jerry

Jerry came to the U.S. from Eritrea as a student.  His academic visa was about to expire, and he urgently wanted to file an application for asylum.  His life was in danger if he returned since Jerry has been detained and tortured under the Eritrean government on multiple occasions.  While performing forced hard labor in a military camp, he had participated in student protests and was jailed by the Eritrean government on false charges of draft dodging.

American Gateways helped Jerry file his first asylum declaration, researched country background issues and found documentation that specifically confirmed Jerry’s story.  American Gateways filed the application and its 200+ pages of supporting documents just days before the one-year deadline and arranged for an attorney in Houston to go with Jerry to interview at the asylum office. 

The documentation prepared in Jerry's case is helpful in other Eritrean cases, including the similar case of a young man in the Eritrean navy who sought out our help.  The free and low-cost legal services that American Gateways provided to Jerry would have cost more than Jerry could afford with a private attorney.

Ten days later Jerry was thrilled to have his asylum approval and work permit.  Jerry has joined the Eritrean-American community in San Antonio, and he is a happy, productive member of society.