“Robert” Succeeds in the U.S.
Six years ago, “Robert” (not his real name) came to the U.S. from Rwanda seeking asylum. “When I first arrived, I stayed with acquaintances for a couple of months while waiting for my asylum application process. I was uncertain when I would be eligible for a work permit, and I could not contribute financially, so they asked me to leave. I found myself in limbo, with nowhere to go,” he recalls. “I was working with an immigration attorney who wanted to help. He suggested I reach out to LexRAP, which was extremely responsive and eager to support my transition.”
LexRAP founder Marianne Boswell took the lead, inviting Robert to stay in her home for a few months. He was granted asylum and then obtained a work permit, found a job, and secured an apartment in South Boston with a roommate. “I call Marianne my mother,” he says. In addition, Robert forged a close relationship with volunteer Babs Freedman and her husband, Bruce. “We just connected,” he says. “It was organic. To this day, I am invited to Shabbat and every holiday at their home. Like Marianne, Babs is always there for me.”
Robert adds, “Thanks to LexRAP I have a family here in the U.S. When people ask me where my family is, I tell them in Lexington. I know I can always turn to LexRAP for support when I’m in need.”
Although Robert had earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture and built a successful career in Rwanda, his life took an unexpected turn leading him to seek asylum. After obtaining a work permit, he revived his career, quickly securing a job at an architectural firm and soon after enrolling in a program for an advanced degree in architecture.
Then, in September of last year, Robert joined the United States Army Reserves. “I was listening to a podcast,” he remembers. “I heard: ‘Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.’ I had received so much from the U.S. and believed this was the best thing I could do to express my gratitude.”
Today, Robert is thriving. He has earned a master’s degree in architecture (graduating with honors and awards) and is working on additional master’s degrees in business and computer science. He has been promoted at work from drafting designer to project designer. In addition, he’d like to start a business someday. And he recently became a U.S. citizen.
“My goals are always evolving,” he explains. “I enjoy every moment rather than dwell on the past. My constant goal is to keep becoming the best version of myself.”
Six years ago, “Robert” (not his real name) came to the U.S. from Rwanda seeking asylum. “When I first arrived, I stayed with acquaintances for a couple of months while waiting for my asylum application process. I was uncertain when I would be eligible for a work permit, and I could not contribute financially, so they asked me to leave. I found myself in limbo, with nowhere to go,” he recalls. “I was working with an immigration attorney who wanted to help. He suggested I reach out to LexRAP, which was extremely responsive and eager to support my transition.”
LexRAP founder Marianne Boswell took the lead, inviting Robert to stay in her home for a few months. He was granted asylum and then obtained a work permit, found a job, and secured an apartment in South Boston with a roommate. “I call Marianne my mother,” he says. In addition, Robert forged a close relationship with volunteer Babs Freedman and her husband, Bruce. “We just connected,” he says. “It was organic. To this day, I am invited to Shabbat and every holiday at their home. Like Marianne, Babs is always there for me.”
Robert adds, “Thanks to LexRAP I have a family here in the U.S. When people ask me where my family is, I tell them in Lexington. I know I can always turn to LexRAP for support when I’m in need.”
Although Robert had earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture and built a successful career in Rwanda, his life took an unexpected turn leading him to seek asylum. After obtaining a work permit, he revived his career, quickly securing a job at an architectural firm and soon after enrolling in a program for an advanced degree in architecture.
Then, in September of last year, Robert joined the United States Army Reserves. “I was listening to a podcast,” he remembers. “I heard: ‘Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.’ I had received so much from the U.S. and believed this was the best thing I could do to express my gratitude.”
Today, Robert is thriving. He has earned a master’s degree in architecture (graduating with honors and awards) and is working on additional master’s degrees in business and computer science. He has been promoted at work from drafting designer to project designer. In addition, he’d like to start a business someday. And he recently became a U.S. citizen.
“My goals are always evolving,” he explains. “I enjoy every moment rather than dwell on the past. My constant goal is to keep becoming the best version of myself.”