The importance of persistence, advocacy, and access to language
In my work as an Arabic–English interpreter with Respond Crisis Translation, I have had the privilege—and the responsibility—of giving voice to individuals whose stories might otherwise go unheard. One case that has stayed with me deeply is that of Khaled (pseudonym).
Khaled is a Sudanese man, a husband, and a father. Before his journey brought him into the U.S. immigration system, he lived in Sudan, where he was actively involved in a political movement advocating for equality, dignity, and basic human rights. Because of this affiliation, he became a target.
He was repeatedly arrested by Sudanese military forces, detained, and subjected to torture. His life became a cycle of imprisonment and threats. Eventually, he was forced into an impossible choice: remain in Sudan and face certain death, or leave his country forever. He chose survival.
Khaled first sought refuge in France, where he was granted legal status. However, fearing continued persecution, he concealed his identity by adopting the name of a deceased relative—his uncle, who had also been killed during the conflict. While in France, he tried to rebuild his life, working and receiving support from a church organization that helped him secure an address.
But safety proved fragile.
Khaled began receiving anonymous threats. Callers claimed they knew where he lived and warned that both he and his family were being watched. He described how individuals came looking for him, and how information about him—his location, his activities, even the financial support he sent back home—had somehow reached those who sought to harm him. The fear followed him across borders.
Believing he was no longer safe in France, Khaled made the difficult decision to flee once more—this time toward the United States. His journey was long and dangerous, moving through multiple countries, relying on smugglers, and facing constant uncertainty. When he finally crossed into the U.S., he was detained by immigration authorities.
It was there that I became part of his story.
Because Khaled had used a different identity in France, U.S. authorities struggled to verify who he really was. His case became entangled in legal and administrative complications. His claim for protection was overshadowed by questions about his identity and his prior legal status in Europe. As a result, he remained in detention—month after month, year after year.
For more than two years, I interpreted for Khaled during legal proceedings and interviews, working closely with his lawyer. Each session required not only linguistic precision but emotional resilience. Khaled’s story was one of trauma, displacement, and fear—but also of persistence.
He spoke of the risks of being returned to Sudan, where he believed he would be killed. He spoke of the family he had left behind, some of whom had already suffered or lost their lives. He also shared the challenges he faced as a member of the Nuba community, a group that has long faced discrimination, including on the basis of skin color and ethnic identity.
Despite everything, Khaled continued to fight for recognition, for safety, and for a future.
Recently, we received long-awaited news from my colleague, who continued working on the case: Khaled was to be released from detention under a legal status at the end of 2025. After years of uncertainty and confinement, this marked a turning point.
The relief we felt was immense.
This outcome does not erase what Khaled endured—years of persecution, displacement, and detention—but it affirms the importance of persistence, advocacy, and access to language. Throughout his time in detention, Khaled was able to tell his story because interpretation made it possible. Language justice ensured that he could be heard.
Khaled’s story is one among many. It is a reminder of why this work matters.
by Mohamed Fenzari
