Date
These past few blogs have been pretty straight forward to write as I simply tell you everything that’s happened so far. Now, the blog has pretty much caught up to current events so there will theoretically be less to share so I guess posts may be more spaced apart.
No Options
Nobody wants to follow a sad story, there’s enough of that going on in the world but that seems to be the reality of where we’re at. I’m notoriously a pessimist, or as I see it, a realist and there’s no sense in sugar coating. The US refugee and immigration process is broken and has been for a long time. It has become harder and harder for people to resettle here, even with a squeaky clean background. Fernando isn’t squeaky clean, he has a gang association and he’s already been denied asylum, and he’s in the appeal stage.
We actually received the document from El Salvador that states he has no criminal record! This felt like a miraculous win when it arrived. It will help Fernando get a work permit and driver’s license but unfortunately it will have no effect on his case.
We have since sent in the application for the work permit so we are hoping and praying that’s accepted.
Highs and Lows
Fernando is overall very positive but he definitely has his lows, how could he not? His future is uncertain to say the least, it’s going to be hard, risky, and probably dangerous. Some days he is quiet and resigned and says he is ready for whatever comes, “What can I do? There is nothing left, only God is in control”.
It also seems that anytime something positive happens, something negative immediately happens. For example, Fernando got his passport, he then tells his ICE agent and she tells him he needs to turn it over. He was so upset when that happened he broke down.
When he’s not helping out our friend with odd jobs Fernando spends his time bike riding, he says it helps him clear his head and maybe it gives him a small feeling of freedom. Sometimes he goes as far as Muskegon or Allendale. He also continues to help around the house, walk the dogs, and takes care of things if we go away for the weekend.
On a positive note, Fernando’s health has been very good. He had an episode early on of disembodiment where he was dizzy and had headaches for a couple of days but he says he’s felt well since. He also says his heart has felt totally fine, thank the Lord.
As we wait for the work permit and the outcome of the asylum appeal we appreciate your prayers about that and for Fernando’s well being in general. We also hope that in light of all the pain in the world and all of those so desperately seeking a better life, you will consider offering space for someone in your home.
Asylum-seekers are put on an “asylum clock” that determines their eligibility for a work permit following their submission of an asylum application. They become eligible to file for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) 150 days after filing a “complete” asylum application and can receive an EAD 180 days after filing a “complete” asylum application. We also discovered that an AS can call a hotline (1-800-898-7180) to check the status of their clock, as well as info on the next hearing date, asylum processing information, decision information, case appeal information, or filing information.
