2023

Reflect

As Aadan* shook the man’s hand to affirm the deal, he felt a sense of hope. As a member of an ethnic minority in his country that had experienced generations of violence and discrimination, he longed for peace and justice for himself and his family. He had spent years peacefully protesting in his country to no avail, and now this stranger was offering him a better life and an opportunity to travel to and live in the United States.

Aadan took the man up on his offer — but, tragically, Aadan became the victim of a brutal human trafficking scheme. He spent several years in Cuba and Haiti, where he was forced to perform backbreaking work at the fishing docks, and was sexually abused and nearly starved. Eventually, Aadan was trafficked into the United States.

Aadan felt afraid despite being in one of the most powerful and safe countries in the world. After threatening and even murdering several members of Aadan’s family, his captors forced Aadan to perform illegal work, which landed him in U.S. prisons. Aadan completed his sentence and eventually met with me, his attorney. The U.S. government reviewed and granted his application for the T visa, a special visa granted to survivors of human trafficking.

When I first met with Aadan and learned his story, I thought that this man must be angry, want revenge for the murders of his family members, and feel a huge sense of injustice for all he has gone through. He was searching for a new life but only found hurt, both physically, mentally, and spiritually.

However, Aadan came to me with a huge smile on his face. He is a kind, generous, and grateful person. While he is not a Christian, he practices his own faith, where he finds comfort and solace. Some might think that Aadan has only now finally found peace and fulfilled the hope he longed for at that first handshake with his soon-to-be trafficker. He, however, was also able to find peace throughout this treacherous journey despite all the pain and suffering, through his meditations and belief in a higher consciousness or power.

Aadan’s journey is ongoing, as is all of ours. He and I are still seeking a good conclusion in his immigration case as he is currently in removal proceedings despite having an approved T visa application. We are hopeful the government will terminate his case so that he can continue with his life and eventually become a U.S. citizen.

As we prepare for Advent, the coming of Christ, and reflect on the theme of peace, Jesus tells us in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” The Hebrew term for peace is “shalom,” a common greeting by Jewish people that does not mean the absence of troubles or worries, but instead refers to the deep sense of wholeness or wellness.

Throughout the world today, there is much chaos, violence, and suffering, as Aadan experienced in his life. However, it is possible to find a sense of peace, or shalom, in the midst of chaos, and remarkable people like Aadan remind us of this every day.

*Name has been changed