Their Story is Our Story Prepares to Give Voice to More Refugees
Written by Twila Bird
My name is Twila Bird; I’m one of the founders of TSOS. I just returned from another trip to Europe in behalf of TSOS (Their Story is Our Story) to help interview refugees trying to find safe places in a world of chaos. Here’s our team as we first gathered last week from our far-flung homes to begin interviewing in Germany, France and Italy.
I’m always a muddle of emotions when I return home from these intense, story-gathering ventures. I feel guilt for returning to comfort after witnessing profound deprivation. I’m angry and frustrated with those who have eyes but don’t see. I despair at how inhumane humans can be. Conversely, I feel tremendous respect for those who endure indignities with dignity and I feel joy as I mingle with those who lift, clothe, feed, and comfort. My hope rises when I see how humane humans can be.
So now our work begins afresh. We’re armed with dozens of new, raw glimpses into the lives of desperate people on the move. We want to show how similar their hopes and dreams are to yours and mine. They want security, dignity, and a place to call home. I can’t cure their woes by myself but I can do something. With other TSOS team members, I can help by posting their stories in the hope that understanding will breed compassion.
My First Asylum Case: An Attorney's Perspective on Asylum in the United States
I took my first asylum case in 2016, when our national dialog on immigration took a decidedly negative turn. As a corporate attorney, I had no experience in immigration law, but my license allowed me to represent individuals fleeing severe persecution and I signed with a local non-profit to offer my help. My first asylum client was a young mother and her two small daughters. I could see myself in Saba.
Their Story is Our Story Applauds the Signing of Virginia House Bill 995 and Continues Efforts to Open Doors for Foreign-trained Medical Professionals in Other States
Their Story is Our Story (TSOS), a non-profit organization that collects and shares the experiences of refugees to deepen understanding and influence action, applauds the signing of Virginia House Bill 995 into law by Governor Glenn Youngkin, after its unanimous passage through the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate. It will create a pathway for foreign-trained doctors who have immigrated to the state, including those whose careers were interrupted by forcible displacement, to fill workforce gaps in medically underserved communities.
Idaho One Refugee Conference
Last fall I was able to attend the 1Refugee Conference in Idaho. The event was well organized and everyone who approached our table was interested in what we did and wanted to know how to get involved. There were at least 100 students majoring in a variety of things who attended the event and we had 20 students give us their contact information. Most were interested in our internship programs.