ACC Celebrates Pride Month: Standing with LGBTQ Refugees & Asylum-Seekers

Kendra wants to advocate for other asylum-seekers from the LGBTQ community who fled violence in their home countries. She dreams of one day becoming a psychologist.

*This story and photo were shared with permission.

In January of 2020, Kendra Escobar Perez fled gender-based persecution in her home country of El Salvador. She was granted asylum status in February 2021, allowing her to live and work freely in the U.S. without threat of deportation. Escobar Perez — who spent months in Texas and Arizona immigration facilities during the first part of the pandemic — shared in a text message, “There are no (public health) security measures- they do not care about migrants’ lives.”

“Believe me, to come from my country to the United States is not easy,” Escobar Perez told Newsline in an interview. “I crossed all of Guatemala, Mexico, in order to be here in the United States. And in Guatemala and Mexico I went through so many ugly, ugly things. … People go hungry, people are attacked. There is violence against people who enter human trafficking, drug trafficking."

Kendra first met ACC staff members as she was awaiting the judge’s decision on her asylum case. ACC explained the services that would be available to her once her asylum was approved, services like cash assistance programs, employment assistance, case management, and more. When her asylum was finally approved, ACC was the first agency she called. After months of sitting at home, not able to work or go to school, Kendra was eager to start her life in the U.S.

Due to the pandemic, Kendra endured a months-long wait for her I-94, which delayed her ability to start work. Kim Fleming, ACC’s Match Grant Coordinator, accompanied Kendra to the USCIS office in Denver, walking beside her to navigate the challenges of getting an ID. Kim shares, “Throughout the delays, Kendra continued to interview for jobs, and displayed great patience, fortitude, and graciousness.” Kendra also faced discrimination as she attempted to settle in to her new life in Aurora. Kim along with ACC’s Housing Coordinator were there to locate new available units and to navigate conversations with the landlord.

After finally getting her documents in May, Kendra secured a job as a warehouse associate at Advanced Auto Parts in June, with the assistance of the Match Grant team at ACC. She consistently worked 40-60 hours per week, often earning overtime pay, and was able to successfully save enough money to move into a new apartment in August. Kim says, “She is always a joy to work with and inspires ACC staff with her determination and great attitude towards life!”

Looking ahead to the future, Kendra wants to advocate for other asylum seekers from the LGBTQ community who fled violence in their home countries. And she dreams of one day becoming a psychologist.

Written by: Faith Miller, Colorado Newsline, & Maria Farrier, ACC

Escobar Perez’s interview with Newsline was translated from Spanish by Emma Mure.