I have volunteered for many years with two private groups supporting language and pathway process for primarily women immigrants. There have been several ladies from Nicaragua, Cuba, and Honduras served by both groups over the years who came with their husbands or boyfriends looking for economic freedom and to escape the suppression of authoritarian regimes.

Their stories are fascinating and in many cases horrifying. They did not come here seeking more of what they risked everything to escape.

Granted, these organizations are relatively small and serve perhaps 100 total women per year, but their stories are powerful testimony to the basic human desire to be free and to seek opportunities afforded in a free market economy.