PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Ecuadorian Asylum Seeker on Shelter Experiences and Concerns
4:06:50
·
3 min
An asylum seeker from Ecuador shares their challenging journey to the United States, including medical emergencies and current shelter situation. The speaker expresses fear about the 60-day shelter eviction policy, especially with a newborn child and the winter season approaching.
- Detailed the difficult journey through multiple countries before reaching the US
- Highlighted the medical help received for their son in the US, contrasting with lack of assistance in other countries
- Expressed concern about finding work without a permit and saving money before potential shelter eviction
- Emphasized that many asylum seekers don't want to rely on government support but need more time to become economically stable
UNKNOWN (via Spanish Interpreter)
4:06:50
Good afternoon.
4:06:51
I am from Ecuador.
4:07:02
In order to, arrive to come into the United States, I had to go through many different countries.
4:07:17
In one of those places, in one of those countries, I was offered shelter and a place to be with my family.
4:07:30
I had to sleep at both terminals on the street.
4:07:37
In order to arrive here When we got to Mexico, my son had a stomach infection because of the water.
4:07:55
And I wasn't given the help.
4:08:05
And I decided to come without waiting for the appointment because my son needed help.
4:08:10
So I went through the El Paso del Aguila for medical attention.
4:08:19
When I was there, they offer, medical help to my child, the best medical help.
4:08:30
And I was very grateful because they helped my son.
4:08:39
At the moment, I'm at a shelter.
4:08:48
Because I need it now because I don't have a worker permit.
4:08:59
Anyway, I go and I look for work any anyway, like, at one day for 2 days.
4:09:15
I'm trying to I'm trying to save some money because I heard we were going to be evicted in 60 days, so I'm a little afraid.
UNKNOWN
4:09:26
Because
UNKNOWN (via Spanish Interpreter)
4:09:29
recently, one of my sons was born about 15 days ago.
4:09:42
We're in winter season, so I'm afraid we'll have to stay outside during the cold because of the children.
4:10:05
And just like in my self, there is another, other families that we don't wanna be here, but because they treat us as bombs and that we come to live off the government.
4:10:17
But in reality, it's not like that.
4:10:32
We just need more time to, be economically stable and get our worker permit.
Gale A. Brewer
4:10:43
Thank you.
4:10:43
Your time expired.
UNKNOWN (via Spanish Interpreter)
4:10:45
And that's what, makes me the most afraid.
