Erik's Story
When you’re a parent, you always want what’s best for your child. Yet, as you know the world is not under your control, nor is it always as kind or as safe as you’d like it to be. In fact in some parts of the world, children are forced to grow up way too quickly, and they and their families endure unbelievable violence and persecution.
For Erick, violence and persecution were a part of his everyday life in Honduras. Growing up in a country overrun by gangs, Erick’s childhood memories are filled with the murders of several of his cousins, as well as death threats made to him and his family due to the family’s refusal to be involved with these gangs. These threats finally came to fruition when a family friend and gang member was sent to murder Erick and his family. Thankfully, this member warned the family instead of following his order, and they were able to flee. After this incident and continued threats it was clear that to find true safety, the family needed to leave Honduras.
Through a flurry of events, Erick made it to the United States in 2013. Most of his family had made it out of Honduras, but were unable to join him. Despite all he had been through, Erick still faced the daunting and complex process of applying for asylum, which would enable him to escape the fear and violence of Honduras for good as well as pursue a path towards permanents residency and eventually allow him to petition for his family to come to the U.S. too. After dealing with lack of resources, poor legal advice, and confusion over the complex asylum process, Erick found the MICA Project. With the MICA Project, he traveled to Chicago for his asylum interview and was granted asylum and a work permit. He is currently taking English classes and has a new baby.
Despite the terrifying circumstances of his childhood, Erick’s bravery and strength has led him to the United States where his child now has a home free of the violence and persecution Erick suffered. Through your donation to the MICA Project you can help the brave, like Erick, find and make a safe home here in the United States, donate today.
For Erick, violence and persecution were a part of his everyday life in Honduras. Growing up in a country overrun by gangs, Erick’s childhood memories are filled with the murders of several of his cousins, as well as death threats made to him and his family due to the family’s refusal to be involved with these gangs. These threats finally came to fruition when a family friend and gang member was sent to murder Erick and his family. Thankfully, this member warned the family instead of following his order, and they were able to flee. After this incident and continued threats it was clear that to find true safety, the family needed to leave Honduras.
Through a flurry of events, Erick made it to the United States in 2013. Most of his family had made it out of Honduras, but were unable to join him. Despite all he had been through, Erick still faced the daunting and complex process of applying for asylum, which would enable him to escape the fear and violence of Honduras for good as well as pursue a path towards permanents residency and eventually allow him to petition for his family to come to the U.S. too. After dealing with lack of resources, poor legal advice, and confusion over the complex asylum process, Erick found the MICA Project. With the MICA Project, he traveled to Chicago for his asylum interview and was granted asylum and a work permit. He is currently taking English classes and has a new baby.
Despite the terrifying circumstances of his childhood, Erick’s bravery and strength has led him to the United States where his child now has a home free of the violence and persecution Erick suffered. Through your donation to the MICA Project you can help the brave, like Erick, find and make a safe home here in the United States, donate today.