Every person fleeing violence, persecution, or danger deserves the chance to seek safety. But for thousands of asylum seekers, that basic human right is being denied.

This El Paso Giving Day, Team Safe Haven is raising funds to support legal representation and advocacy for people seeking asylum, including those pursuing protection under asylum law, withholding of removal, and the Convention Against Torture (CAT). These are lifelines for individuals escaping threats to their lives but navigating them is nearly impossible without expert help.

We believe in the fundamental right to seek refuge, and we’re fighting to uphold it.

Once tortured and persecuted, now finding peace and community through soccer.

Diallo is from Cameroon, a country in conflict since 2016. Diallo was persecuted for the first time as a teenager for speaking English while working in his family store. He was jailed for two weeks before his family could pay for his release.

Diallo later fled area after his release but was targeted again. Police arrived at the door and shot and killed his eight-year-old cousin when he answered the front door. Diallo was then beaten while the police used gasoline to set his cousin’s body and their home on fire. Diallo was taken into custody and detained for a month. He reported being mistreated and tortured.

After his release, Diallo fled again and tried to start over and enrolled in university to study computer engineering. Shortly after, he was arrested again and sent to another prison where he was also tortured.
After months in prison, Diallo’s family paid for his release. He escaped the country and started a long, arduous journey to the U.S. to seek asylum.

Estrella del Paso’s Removal Defense Unit helped Diallo through the lengthy and complicated asylum process.

“At first he was depressed, and it was clear he had experienced a lot of trauma,” recalls Hannah Rule, Diallo’s Estrella del Paso attorney.

Diallo was released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention while he pursued his asylum case.During this time, he relied on playing soccer as a physical outlet for his trauma, and for coping with the stress of his pending asylum case. Diallo met a group of players who met regularly, and they invited him to social events. He started adapting to his new community.

“It grounded him,” said Rule, who said she noticed positive changes in his demeanor.

Diallo went before an immigration judge and heard the outcome he had been praying for. He was granted asylum.

The community he embraced in El Paso would officially become his HOME. Diallo plans to make the most of this new chance at life. Although he has a background in computer science, Diallo wants to go to school and become a nurse.

Welcome home, Diallo. You Belong.

This El Paso Giving Day, stand with asylum seekers.

Help us protect the right to seek safety and ensure no one faces this journey alone. Donate today to support justice, dignity, and a true safe haven.