Written by Nicole Ludwig
APRIL 18, 2018
Written by Nicole Ludwig, TSOS Refugee Coordinator
When I entered the newly opened refugee camp near my home for the first time, I had no idea what the people there had gone through. I only knew it must have been horrible in their home country if they chose to risk drowning in a small, overloaded, rubber boat crossing a sea rather than staying at home.
I soon discovered their stories one by one. They opened their hearts and told me their stories in many ways — through paintings and drawings, through gestures, like an old lady whose hand movements demonstrated how the Taliban slit the throat of her son and made her watch, or just by looking into their eyes to discover the depths of fear, pain, and grief that will never go away.
These people needed help, support and above all lots of love and real friendship. I did my best. I managed a neighborhood volunteer group and tried to help them wherever I could in addition to managing my normal, peaceful, family life. The displaced people taught my children and myself so much, like how thankful we should be for what we have — above all, freedom.
We received more than we gave — love, friendship, trust and they made me rethink my priorities in life. My work with the refugees affected my kids a lot. I could see their ability to love and their desire to share time with the refugees grow a lot. And they did so without prejudice.
I try to teach my kids that in the end, we will all be judged by the courage of our hearts. I hope there are many more people out there trying to be courageous and let these people in their lives. Giving of yourself can be simple but you will benefit in so many ways for the rest of your life.
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.