The long journey from asylum seeker to proud US citizen

Here is a photo of ILAP client Leandre with his wife Concilie celebrating their long journey from asylum seeker to proud US citizen. After undergoing horrific persecution due to Leandre’s work as a human rights lawyer, the couple fled their country with three young children and another on the way.

Leandre was one of my first asylum clients as a member of ILAP’s pro bono panel. When I feel like giving up, I look at this picture and remember their extraordinary courage and resilience. Asylum clients have told me: “Leslie, you have changed my life.” But the truth is they have changed mine.

-Leslie Silverstein, ILAP Board President