Human Rights First

Refugee Voices: From Persecution to Freedom

As victims of violence and persecution, refugees come to the United States to seek safety. But all too often they arrive traumatized, unaware of the complexities of the U.S. asylum system, and without capacity to afford legal counsel. Since 1978, Human Rights First has been linking asylum seekers to pro bono attorneys through our Asylum Legal Representation Program, giving refugees a chance to live their lives free from fear.

Check out inspiring stories of refugees who received asylum in the United States with our help. Their lived experiences–of persecution, survival, and building a new life–inform our advocacy for better refugee protection. Find out why.


Refugee Voices: Ana Patricia Centeno
Ana Patricia is a human rights activist from Honduras. She fled to the United States after she was persecuted for being gay and for her work to protect the rights of women and the LGBT community.
The 5 Grounds for Asylum
Refugee Voices: Parvaneh Vahidmanesh
Parvaneh is a human rights activist from Iran who was targeted for her work to promote freedom in her country and for helping write a book about Israel--a crime in Iran that is punishable by death.
Refugee Voices: Abdalmageed Haroun
Abdalmageed is a human rights activist from Sudan who was abducted, tortured, and detained for months for his work to promote women's rights and the rights of internally displaced people, among others. He fled to the United States after significant international attention from the U.S. government and the human rights community forced the Sudanese government to release him.
No Legal Representation
Where do Refugees Resettle?
Asylum Granted/Denied Rates