The Intersection of Lived Experience and Advocacy: Talking to Anuar Arriaga Esquivel (Asylum Legal Advocate)
At Oasis, each team member brings a unique perspective and deep commitment to supporting our clients on their journey to secure asylum and rebuild their lives in the United States. Our Asylum Legal Advocate, Anuar Arriaga Esquivel, exemplifies this dedication through his personal connection to the work. His own experiences of navigating the asylum process fuel his passion for alleviating the burdens that so many undocumented individuals face.
Today, we delve into Anuar’s journey—what drives him, the challenges and successes he’s encountered, and the joy he finds in woodworking and his favorite Portuguese songs. Through his story, we gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact that lived experience can have on advocacy and the importance of humanizing the asylum process.
MS: What drew you to this work — supporting LGBTQ+ asylum seekers?
AAE: Growing up undocumented was one of the biggest challenges of my life because it exposed me to constant barriers, misconceptions and fear. I strive to alleviate this burden from my clients so they can focus on their futures and blossom into the person they are meant to be.
NS: How does your background influence your work?
AAE: I feel attuned to answer my clients questions and concerns in a unique way after having gone through the asylum process myself. Many of the fears, concerns, and challenges my clients go through I experienced myself. My goal in every case is to make the client feel comfortable and seen.
MS: Is there a case that stands out to you during your time at Oasis?
AAE: I had the privilege of representing a client at his asylum interview after waiting approximately 10 years. He had been battling severe health issues and was recently approved for asylum. With his new status, he is now able to access better healthcare and a better quality of life.
NS: One of the things you like to do in your free time is woodworking. What’s your most memorable woodworking project?
AAE: This wine bar has been my most memorable project because it was challenging to create and I learned to be resourceful and creative in the process. This project was made from wood that was going to be thrown out after a contracting job. It made me realize the power of recycling and to be conscious about how much waste I produce.
MS: In addition to English and Spanish, you also speak Portuguese. What is your favorite Portuguese song?
AAE: I have always been a huge fan of Pabllo Vittar and I have been enjoying Pablo’s song “São Amores” going viral and seeing people do the choreography on social media.
NS: What are you looking forward to in the coming year, either personally, professionally, or both?
AAE: I look forward to continuing the work that I do. Immigration advocacy is incredibly important, especially with the election coming up. Anti-immigrant sentiments and rhetoric continues to spread and it is causing our communities (both immigrant and non-immigrant) to suffer. I hope to break down misconceptions about immigrants by empowering my clients and securing their status in the United States.
As the political landscape becomes increasingly challenging, Anuar’s commitment to his work remains firm. In the face of adversity, Anuar is a beacon of hope for many; his dedication to his clients is informed by his own struggles. At Oasis, we are grateful for the compassion and expertise that Anuar brings to our team, and we look forward to the continued positive change he will create in the lives of LGBTQ+ immigrants.
And as Anuar continues his work, we’re all eagerly waiting to see what his next woodworking project will be—and perhaps we’ll even catch him dancing to “São Amores” in celebration of a client’s asylum win!
Published September 30, 2024