Stories

In our outreach, we have not only helped others. Our own lives have been touched by those we’ve helped. We are inspired daily by the spirit and tenacity of people on the move, and celebrate their contributions to society.

Every migrant's journey is as unique as they are: here are two stories of people we've been privileged to help along the way.

Yorman

We met Yorman, a Venezuelan migrant, in the Darien Gap. Despite being hungry and short on cash, his only request was for fresh socks – a vital necessity in the damp, rainy climate of the Panamanian jungle. The Rubin Foundation was able to provide socks, footwear, and nourishment, and he told us his story over a warm meal.

Yorman told us that he planned on entering the United States via irregular channels, and was unfamiliar with the US asylum application process. Though bright and determined, Yorman had limited education and literacy, and was doubtful that he could navigate the intricacies of US asylum law. After consulting with our staff, however, we walked him through the process of applying for asylum via the CBP1 app, and encouraged him to check in with our outreach program in Mexico City when he arrived there.

A month after he left the Darien Gap, we heard from Yorman again. Our staff in Mexico City were able to direct him to a safe shelter, and he found a temporary job working in a kitchen while awaiting approval of his asylum claim. After reaching the United States, Yorman reached out to us again to thank us for our assistance, and to inquire about domestic NGOs who could assist with his legal paperwork.

A year later, he was able to advise other family members who planned to make the same trip on the safest routes, and how to enter the United States through legal channels.

Franklin

We met Franklin, a Honduran migrant, in Arriaga, Mexico, a day before he planned to board La Bestia, the infamous freight train that provides transportation north to Mexico City. While he was hopeful about being reunited with family in the United States, Franklin was apprehensive about the next stage of his journey. He heard rumors about the risks of riding La Bestia, and having witnessed many of his fellow travelers apprehended by immigration authorities or fall victim to extortion from criminal gangs, he was anxious about the challenges that awaited him on the railway.

We first spoke to Franklin when he asked if he could charge his phone at our station, but as the conversation unfolded, we were able to advise him on the safest spots to get on and off the train and NGOs offering material assistance along the route. We gave him our contact information and encouraged him to seek out our outreach program when he arrived in Mexico City, and he texted us that same week with good news.

Franklin had arrived safely in Mexico City, and was able to find critical support from The Rubin Foundation and other NGOs while he waited for approval of his asylum claim. Later that month, we learned that he entered the US after his asylum claim was approved, and was en route to join his family in the northeast.