Blogs
Out of Many, One
By Marko Mijic, Board Member
March 2025
When my family arrived in the United States as refugees, I was just 11 years old. We had fled a war-torn country, leaving everything behind to seek safety and a fresh start. But starting over was anything but easy. We didn’t know the language. We didn’t understand the systems. My parents faced the daily fear of how to put food on the table and keep a roof over our heads. It was the kindness of strangers and the support of organizations like Opening Doors that made all the difference.
Now More Than Ever, We Must Band Together
By Jessie Mabry, CEO
November 2024
In this election season, there has been a lot of discussion in the media about immigration. Unlike in previous election years, the discussion this year has moved beyond policy, and some politicians have made sweeping negative statements about who immigrants are. There have also been some acts of violence directed at our immigrant neighbors. At Opening Doors, we strongly believe our community is stronger and better because of our immigrant neighbors.
Protecting Your Wellbeing This Election
By Rachel Robitz, Board Member
November 2024
In this election season, there has been a lot of discussion in the media about immigration. Unlike in previous election years, the discussion this year has moved beyond policy, and some politicians have made sweeping negative statements about who immigrants are. There have also been some acts of violence directed at our immigrant neighbors. At Opening Doors, we strongly believe our community is stronger and better because of our immigrant neighbors.
Preparing a Home for a New Arrival
By Liz Godfrey, Communications Manager
August 2024
When I started with Opening Doors in mid-June, I was thrilled about all the different ways we help families in need. One experience I was especially looking forward to was setting up homes for arriving families after I’d seen the recent story on Opening Door’s Instagram. Just four weeks into my new role as the Communications Manager, I got my chance to be part of this life-changing process.
Services for Asylees Must Expand
By Jessie Mabry, Chief Executive Officer
May 2024
California Assembly Bill (AB) 2218 would provide funding to expand the Enhanced Services for Asylees and Vulnerable Noncitizens (ESAVN) program. Recently, this bill was moved to the consent calendar where it awaits committee review.
Opening Doors implemented the ESAVN program from July 2022 to September 2023. This program provides culturally appropriate and responsive case management services to individuals who have recently been granted asylum within the first year following the grant of asylum. Opening Doors served 34 individuals through the ESAVN program.
Tears of Joy: A Family Reunification Story
By Samiullah Sherzad, R&P Case Lead | Family Reuinification Specialist
December 2023
When the Taliban took over Afghanistan, everyone was worried about their future, especially government and International Non-profit Organization workers. People were rushing to the capital city and Kabul International Airport to leave the country as soon as possible.
Breaking New Ground: Pro Se Asylum Approvals
By Melissa Stratton, Pro Bono Coordinator
and Sarah Torres, Managing Attorney
November 2023
In September, Opening Doors received an exciting call: a client who participated in one of our pro se asylum clinics for Afghan evacuees was granted asylum. Since July 2022, we have hosted 15 pro se asylum clinics, and this was the first decision we received from a clinic participant. It was the first of many, with four more families notifying us of their approvals since September.
Paying it Forward: The Story of an Afghan Immigrant Family
By Abdul Qadeer Rahmanzai, Loan Specialist
November 2023
Mohammad fled Afghanistan with his wife and three children in 2010 and stayed in Turkey until he was resettled in the United States in 2018. Despite the hardship he initially faced in the first two years, he built a successful family tailoring and alterations business in his new home of Sacramento. Mohammad overcame economic, cultural, and language barriers to find stability and build a home for his family. “I had hope that tomorrow would be better,” he remembers.
An Asylum Seeker’s Journey to Self-sufficiency
By Iuliia Statnyk, Loan Officer
October 2023
Serhii and his family crossed the U.S.- Mexico border in 2021 and sought asylum. Originally from Ukraine, the family spent about a month at the border until they found a sponsor in the Slavic community who helped them find housing in Sacramento.
While waiting for a work permit, the family survived on their savings. Serhii has a Computer Science degree and worked as a system administrator in Ukraine. After waiting so many months to receive their work authorization, Serhii could not find a job in his profession despite his experience.
A Story of Resilience
By Sofiia Fedotova, Refugee Resettlement Caseworker
August 2023
Arsen and his family escaped the war in Ukraine and came to the U.S. on April 2023 under the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) Sponsorship Program. They received a warm welcome, and their sponsor helped them to find an apartment in Citrus Heights.
Once settled into their new apartment, they were enrolled in Opening Doors’ Preferred Communities Program for Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees. The program assisted them in accessing needed benefits and basic services.
A Survivor’s Courageous Journey
By Emily Zelaya, Survivors of Trafficking Program Manager
July 2023
Diego was labor trafficked at a young age and forced to work in an auto body shop without proper safety equipment. By the time he came to Opening Doors to seek services, he had severe health conditions and was unable to work. He was living at his friend’s house, sleeping on a couch, and struggling to move out.
Diego’s story is like the story of many victims of human trafficking, which affects millions of people worldwide.
My Karmic Path to Opening Doors
By Christopher Argyros, Staff Attorney
June 2023
When I joined Opening Doors a few months ago as a staff attorney, it felt like a calling.
I first came across Opening Doors while I was searching for pro bono legal representation for Lorena and Maria, two young asylum seekers that my partner and I sponsored for a year. I contacted and coaxed over 25 lawyers and organizations in the area. Opening Doors was the only organization that said YES, they could take both cases. I was impressed to find an organization that provides client-centered comprehensive services and walks alongside them on their path to stability, self-sufficiency, and belonging. What a relief!
Giving Life to Your Dreams
By Mohammed Al Salloom, Senior Loan Officer
May 2023
Brenda is a firm believer that with faith and hard work, anyone can bring their dreams to fruition. A native of Mexico, Brenda ran a small business that included a fresh fruit shop and a video game outlet. She has always been a driven entrepreneur to build a better life for herself and her four children.
In 2003, Brenda relocated to the United States and landed a job in a fruit warehouse. Over time, she switched between various professions but found her true calling while working at a hair salon.
The Human Cost of Immigration Process Backlogs
By Sarah Torres, Managing Attorney
March 2023
Compared to recent years, 2023’s immigration headlines seem dull. In 2018 we saw images of children in camps, separated from their families. In 2021 we watched Afghan families running to catch evacuation flights. Today, we see headlines like “Processing Times Continue to Increase,” “Backlogs Mean Long Waits for Visas.” It’s easy to gloss over headlines like that, assuming the story is simply about administrative delays.