Elias* was 16 when he arrived in the U.S. from Guatemala as an unaccompanied minor. He’d taken the risky journey hoping to reconnect with his mother stateside, whom he hadn’t seen since birth. Upon arriving in the D.C. area, Elias connected with Ayuda for a helping...
Everyone has their own reason for immigrating. When former Ayuda client Selena* fled her home country in Central America after surviving domestic violence, her reason for coming to the United States was simple: Safety – for herself and her children. Shortly...
Arnold & Porter Senior Associate Chris Moulder, PhD, successfully shepherded a Violence Against Woman Act (VAWA) self-petition to the finish line in 2022. This is Awa’s story. After immigrating to the U.S. from Senegal, Awa* experienced domestic abuse at the...
During March we observe Social Work Month to celebrate the powerful impact of Ayuda’s Social Services team. These dedicated individuals work with immigrant clients to identify their unique needs and goals and navigate resources in their communities. Social Work is...
Ruka* was in the United States on a tourist visa visiting from her home country in Asia, when she first met Donna*. A restaurant owner, Donna promised Ruka that she could be included in a visa application that would grant her permanent residency in the U.S. As...
Tanya* was a young adult when she experienced political persecution in her home country. In search of freedom, she accepted a job as a domestic worker in a foreign country. Unfortunately, Tanya’s escape was short-lived, as her new employers subjected her to human...
