Hope for Burmese Immigrants
In February 2021, the Burmese military arrested the sitting president and seized control of the entire country, murdering and suppressing many who rose up in resistance. For our client Win*, this was a painful reminder of the beatings she had endured years ago. Her body has the scars to tell the story of the atrocities she suffered. While she is now safe in the United States, she fears for her children, who remain in Burma. Earlier this year, soldiers barged in her family home in Burma. Fortunately, her children were at another house. Yet, they are now trapped in Burma. Win fears that her children may be detained, harmed, or killed. A friend of Win’s daughter has already been arrested and tortured. Win hopes to be reunited with her children soon.
Meanwhile, Kan*, an international student from Burma who was residing in the US when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, has been struggling with isolation and grief. His mother passed away last year while he was stuck in California, unable to visit her. His mother was 8000 miles away when she contracted COVID-19. He never had the chance to say goodbye. Kan has yet to build his network of community and friends here. Because of his mother’s death and the military coup in Burma, which has severed the country off from the rest of the world, his father is no longer able to financially support Kan’s studies in the United States.
Win and Kan: two people whose lives are fraught with violence, fear, and grief. Immigrants who strive to survive and hope to eventually thrive. Jubilee is dedicated to representing and standing in solidarity with clients such as these. To Win, Kan and others who have endured so much, I say, I see you. I am walking with you. I am trying with you. You are not alone.
This is what I do at Jubilee. I advocate for my clients. I strive to make them feel seen and heard. And in my words and actions, I aim to communicate a clear message: You matter.
* Names and info changed for confidentiality
By Maria Segarra,
Staff Attorney