A Journey of Reunification and Healing
Robert arrived in the United States in 2006 with hopes of being able to provide for his family in the Philippines. Robert was recruited by an international work agency in the Philippines to work as a farmworker in the United States. He signed a work contract that specified his working hours, job description, and wages.
However, when he arrived in California with an H2A visa, the contract details were not followed. Robert was overworked, placed in extremely poor working and living conditions, and not paid for all the work he completed. The evil of human trafficking stripped him of his freedom and dignity.
By the grace of God, Robert was able to escape his trafficking in 2007. However, Robert remained silent for years about his trafficking. His trafficker utilized fear tactics for control, specifically the fear of deportation if he left as his H2A visa was tied to his work at the farm. Though Robert was no longer enduring the hardships of the farm, he continued to live each day trapped in fear and captivity.
Eventually, Robert confided in a Filipino community organization that referred him to The Salvation Army Anti-Trafficking Services (TSA-ATS) in 2018. Robert was able to build community with other survivors through TSA-ATS events and support groups. TSA-ATS also referred Robert to Public Law Center for immigration relief assistance. Robert was rightfully granted a T-Visa in 2023. Additionally, Robert’s family in the Philippines were also granted T-Visas.
The Salvation Army worked with the International Organization for Migration to reunify Robert with his family. After nearly 18 years apart, Robert reunified with his wife, daughter, and son in June of 2024. The family is overjoyed and thankful to be able to start anew in the United States together. The reunification of families is a profound testament of God’s grace and love and The Salvation Army is blessed to be a part of this story.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1