Introduction: The Reality Behind the Border The narrative often sold to the public is that seeking asylum in the United States is a straightforward process of finding safety. The reality for many New Americans is vastly different. When immigrants arrive in the US and legally apply for immigration relief, they are frequently incarcerated in detention centers, jails, or prisons run by ICE. For those fleeing persecution, this is where renewed pain and trauma begin.
Institutional Racism and Neglect Depending on the location within the USA, detainees face severe institutional racism and a glaring lack of basic human rights, particularly regarding healthcare.
- A Founder’s Lived Experience: This is not a distant political issue for ELOI Ministries; it is our origin story. Our founder, Pastor Steven Tendo, came to the U.S. legally seeking asylum after facing torture and the murder of relatives in Uganda due to his political activism.
- The Human Toll: Instead of a safe haven, Pastor Steven was detained in Texas for more than two years. During this agonizing period, his diabetes went untreated by the authorities, and he all but lost his eyesight.
Holding the Powerful to Account We know exactly what happens inside these facilities when the doors close. The medical neglect Pastor Steven faced is a systemic issue affecting countless detainees today. At ELOIM, we are campaigners and policy experts who challenge this injustice. We work alongside other partners to defend freedom, strengthen the quality of interventions, and ensure that everyone in the US is treated fairly.
Conclusion: Demanding Dignity Seeking asylum is a legal and human right. Incarceration and medical neglect should never be the penalty for seeking safety. We will continue to advocate for justice until the dignity of every New American is restored.
