Introduction: The Promise vs. The Reality The United States has long stood as a symbol of refuge. But for New Americans arriving today to legally apply for immigration relief, the reality is a stark contrast to the promise. Instead of welcome, they are met with incarceration in detention centers and jails run by ICE. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, ELOIM campaigns tirelessly to make sure everyone in the US is treated fairly. We refuse to look away from the institutional racism and trauma happening within our borders.
A Legacy of Survival Our Access to Justice mandate is driven by the lived experience of our founder, Pastor Steven Tendo. He did not read about the abuses of the immigration system; he survived them.
- The Medical Neglect Reality: Fleeing torture and political persecution in Uganda, Pastor Steven sought legal asylum in the U.S. Instead, he was detained in Texas for over two years. His diabetes was deliberately left untreated by authorities, leading to severe, preventable vision loss.
- Policy Experts and Campaigners: This cruelty is not an anomaly; it is a systemic failure. We work as campaigners and policy experts to challenge this injustice. We strengthen the quality of interventions and advocate for the humanity of those locked away.
Conclusion: Defending Freedom We are making the USA a fairer, more equal place. We hold the powerful to account because no human being seeking legal refuge should be subjected to medical neglect and institutional trauma.
