ASYLUM PROGRAM OF ARIZONA

Recent Changes Mean Greater Stability for APA

The Asylum Program of Arizona (APA) provides free legal services to low income people seeking political asylum in the U.S. APA is unique to the southwest region as it is the only organization to provide free legal assistance to asylum seekers between El Paso and San Diego. The program has recently begun to expand its services. In addition to providing legal support, it is working to meet the basic needs of its clients by connecting them with resources that can provide food and clothing donations, English as a second language (ESL) classes, and counseling services. APA has also undergone a number of administrative changes. APA merged with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest in October of 2005. This merger has ensured greater financial stability and longevity for the program. APA has also welcomed a number of new staff members. The new staff is both enthusiastic and passionate about their work, having come to APA with a cornucopia of social justice experience.

Rachel Wilson, the new attorney for the Asylum Program was a juvenile public defender, where she won a precedent-setting case protecting the rights of children. She also holds a Ph.D. in psychology and is fluent in both Spanish and Russian.

Beth Sanders is the new paralegal for the Asylum Program. She is originally from Portland, Oregon and studied Sociology, International Affairs, and Spanish at Colorado College. She has both lived and traveled in Mexico, Guatemala, Bolivia, and Cuba. Since moving to Tucson she has been involved in activism related to border and environmental issues.

Annetta Landay is the AmeriCorps Vista for the Asylum Program. She recently graduated from Brandeis University where she received her BA in Sociology. As the volunteer coordinator Annetta recruits and trains volunteers to interpret and translate for APA's clients.

Client Spotlight

The process of applying for asylum can be an overwhelming and lengthy task, even with the help of an attorney. We had the chance to sit down and talk with Michelle, one of APA's clients from Cameroon, who recently received asylum.

After enduring torture and persecution for her pro-democracy work in Cameroon, Michelle escaped to the United States in the fall of 2006 with the aid of family and friends. She settled in Tucson with her brother and soon after her arrival began to take English classes at Pima Community College. These classes gave her the chance to meet other refugees in Tucson and build a support network.

In November of 2006, with APA's assistance, Michelle began the long process of applying for asylum. When the day of her asylum interview arrived, Michelle was nervous. She described the interview as stressful. She noted that while the asylum officer was nice, the process was confusing because the asylum officer did not ask her specific questions and so she felt uncertain of where to begin her story.

Michelle clearly remembers the day she received asylum. She could not stop screaming with excitement. "I called my husband in Nigeria. There were no words to describe the feeling. I was so happy.”

Michelle also commented on the length of the asylum process. She said that “the length is terrible. There is so much waiting and not enough information." Once they have applied for asylum, asylum seekers are left in an indeterminate state where they can not be deported but do not yet have official legal status. While waiting, they often have to struggle to meet their basic needs because it can take more than five months for asylum seekers to be approved for work authorization. Michelle stressed the importance of there being better social services to help meet the needs of asylum seekers.

Even with competent legal counsel the asylum process is convoluted and difficult to understand. After enduring traumatic circumstances in her home country Michelle arrived to the U.S. alone. While the process was long and challenging, receiving asylum finally concluded that traumatic part of her life. Michelle summarized it perfectly when she said, "It was so freeing not to have to think about it. Getting asylum meant it was finally over."

Get Involved!

APA’s work depends on broad community support. How can you help? That’s easy!

• Call and ask about program volunteer opportunities

• Become a trained interpreter /translator

• Provide pro bono attorney assistance

• Invite APA to address your organization or congregation.

Call 520-623-4555, or email vtwo@lss-sw.org for details