Introduction: The Illusion of Immediate Safety When a New American crosses the border legally seeking asylum, the assumption is that the trauma is over. The reality is often the exact opposite. When they arrive in the US and apply for immigration relief, many are incarcerated in detention centers or jails run by ICE. This is where renewed pain begins. Instead of a safe haven, they face institutional racism, isolation, and the stripping of their dignity.
A Mission Born from Lived Experience At ELOI Inc., our advocacy is not theoretical; it is deeply personal. Our Founder and Executive Director, Pastor Steven Tendo, lived this nightmare. A human rights and political activist in Uganda, he was tortured by authorities and had relatives killed simply for encouraging Ugandans to vote. Upon legally seeking asylum in the U.S., he was detained in Texas for over two years. During this time, his diabetes went untreated, and he almost entirely lost his eyesight.
- Holding the Powerful to Account: Because of Pastor Steven’s experience, ELOIM challenges injustice and campaigns to make the US a fairer, more equal place. We know firsthand the life-threatening consequences of medical neglect and institutional cruelty inside detention centers.
Conclusion: Restoring Dignity We work closely with partners to strengthen the quality of interventions for those locked in these systems. We envision a world where New Americans thrive, and their dignity and hope are restored. We will not stop campaigning until the human rights of every asylum seeker are respected.
