Project Corazon’s Estuardo Cifuentes Wins Asylum
L4GG is thrilled to celebrate that our Project Corazon Client Services Manager, Estuardo Cifuentes, has officially been granted asylum. We are overjoyed to see that Estuardo has achieved what should be possible for every person seeking and deserving of refuge in the United States: a chance to live freely and safely.
From Asylum Seeker to Asylum Advocate:
Estuardo’s Journey to Safety, Security, and Bringing Hope to Others
Fleeing Homophobia and Police Brutality in Guatemala
In 2019, Estuardo made the difficult decision to leave Guatemala due to severe homophobia, including police brutality and surveillance, because of his sexual orientation. He abandoned his business of seven years and embarked on a journey to the U.S., hoping for safety and a chance to rebuild his life.
The Perilous Path to Safety
Estuardo's route to the U.S. was fraught with risks. He relied on coyotes for smuggling, a decision that brought its own dangers, including a harrowing 17-day journey and a 21-day period of being kidnapped. Upon finally reaching the U.S. border and expecting safety, he was instead detained for seven days, then placed under the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) and sent back to Mexico, where he was stranded for over 18 months.
Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Asylum Seekers
Estuardo (left) with migrants staying at the Rainbow Bridge refuge in February 2021. HECTOR GUERRERO
While in Matamoros, Estuardo witnessed the heightened vulnerabilities of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers within the MPP system, who faced compounded discrimination and were more susceptible to violence, even inside refugee camps. Recognizing the dire need for support, he founded Rainbow Bridge, which provided LGBTQ+ migrants with health, housing, food, security, and mental health support, and connected them with resources for legal and medical assistance. Through Rainbow Bridge, Estuardo became a beacon of hope to many, offering a semblance of stability and safety in a tumultuous journey toward asylum.
Project Corazon: A Turning Point
It was during this period of uncertainty that Lawyers for Good Government's Project Corazon, with pro bono support from one of our law firm partners, intervened, providing Estuardo with the legal assistance needed to secure parole into the U.S. and pursue his asylum claim. This support was not merely legal—it was also a source of hope and a clear demonstration of the impact that legal advocacy can have on the lives of asylum seekers.
While in the U.S., Estuardo’s advocacy for asylum seekers did not falter. He was hired as Project Corazon’s Client Services Manager in September 2021, and since then, he has assisted thousands of migrants in gaining access to crucial legal assistance, both at the border and within the U.S.
“Estuardo is a philanthropist and leader of the highest order. many people take no action because they believe in order to create change you have to have money and power. Estuardo has saved hundreds of lives with neither. Instead, he has always looked to what he can do and made it a reality. In so doing he has shown us all what it looks like to be a servant leader. I’m honored to work with him and I cannot wait to see what he does now that his legal status is stable."
Priscilla Orta, Project Corazon Director
“I’ve been fortunate to know Estuardo in various capacities. He’s a renowned immigrants’ rights advocate, a trusted colleague, and a dear friend. His depth of wisdom and quiet strength have enriched my understanding of our cause and illuminated the path forward in the face of formidable challenges. I’ve watched him tirelessly help other asylum seekers find safety, working long hours and giving of himself, all while navigating his own case with grace. Now he too is safe.”
Jessica Riley, Project Corazon Staff Attorney