A Transplanted Teacher
Then…
In June of 2010, an asylee from Eurasia came through the doors of IINJ for resettlement assistance. She had been a language professor in her native country, and wanted to continue to teach in the U.S. However, she lacked the certification to do this. While she worked on obtaining the proper teaching certification, she also considered alternative career options. She was trained through our Language Links Department to become a certified interpreter/translator. She even had a chance to accompany our immigration lawyer to court to become exposed to courtroom interpreting. Then in September of that same year, she was offered a position as an English professor at a college in New York.
Today…
She absolutely loves her job, and has gotten rave reviews from both students and colleagues. Currently she is working towards her PhD. After speaking at a luncheon we held to recognize 26 clients who received asylum in 2010, she proclaimed her belief that the American dream is a reality, and the Statue of Liberty is a poignant symbol for this.
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A Big Success for a Little One
Then…
Last year, the infant daughter of one of our Iraqi refugee families needed surgery to have her detached retina corrected. Without the procedure she would go blind, and the only doctor qualified to treat her was located in Michigan. So our case managers worked tirelessly to secure funding for her surgery and flight to Michigan. However, since the hospital stay would be two weeks, there were other fees associated with transportation and living arrangements. Due to the urgency of the situation, two of our staff members ended up covering these costs out of their own pockets.
Today…
We are happy to say that the little girl, who is one and a half years old, is now able to see colors and shadows. And since she is a benchmark case, the medical facility in Michigan has covered her expenses for two more visits. Every time she comes into our office, she shines her big smile. Her smile reminds us of the value of our services.
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Past Story
Dr. Oscar L. Moret, Ph.D. in Law and his wife, Elizabeth Lemagne, MA in French language entered the United States as Cuban Parolees in December, 2006 just in time to welcome the New Year and along with it, a new life.
Oscar and Elizabeth met each other during graduate school at The University of Havana in March, 2001. At the very beginning of their friendship, Oscar told his friends and family that Elizabeth would one day be his girlfriend.
Six months later Oscar and Elizabeth began dating and they developed a serious relationship. As young professionals, they wanted to continue their studies so they traveled to separate universities in France, Brazil, Bolivia, and Canada. In July, 2003 Oscar and Elizabeth were married.
Both of them were members of the faculty of the University of Havana when they visited to the Dominican Republic, where they got an opportunity to travel north to the United States. After emigrating to the United States and receiving resettlement services from IINJ, Oscar began volunteering at IINJ’s Immigration Law Center (ILC).
He wanted to continue his study and practice of the law in English. Because of his work and his dedication, he became a full-time member of the staff in March, 2008. In August, Oscar was certified by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) to practice immigration law.
This meant that he could represent clients in court. In the Fall of 2008 Elizabeth received her teaching certification for the state of NJ in French and Spanish. She became a Professor at Kean University for the Spring, 2009 semester.
Oscar hopes to enter law school and study for the Bar of the State of New York. After passing the bar, he will be able to practice Immigration and Criminal Law in New York and New Jersey. He would also like to continue his love of the academic world by teaching classes on Immigration and Sociology.
Elizabeth hopes to continue teaching French and Spanish in the university or in high school and pursue another academic degree.
Together, they hope to start a family soon.
