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My name is Augusto* and I'm a refugee. I am from a small town in Columbia. I was working in parts and services for construction vehicles. I have four sisters. I am the only son. My father is a member of town council. He works very hard to make changes so that our town will be a better place. He really believes in what he does. He's very courageous. However, there are some who don't believe in good government. They use blackmail and intimidation and violence to try to control the government.
In November 1999, I was attacked by an armed political group. Knowing that I am my father's only son, they threatened my life if my father didn't do what they asked of him. I went to live with my sister and the group found me there and threatened my life a second time. Other family members were also threatened.
I moved to the big city of Bogotá where I lived for five years in constant fear. I could never again return to my home town. I didn't want to live in fear for the rest of my life. I had to do something.
In 2004, I travelled as a tourist to Mexico. I took a bus to the US border. I waited until it was dark. Then I crawled under a wall with about 40 or 50 other people. It was about 11 p.m. We ran into the night. My heart was racing! I saw the lights from the border guards' cars. Some people were getting caught. I couldn't see what was happening. I kept going. I didn't even know where I was going. I just kept running.
Finally I came to a small town. I found a phone booth and called my sister who lives in Colorado. She drove all day. Eight hours later she found me. I lived for four years with my sister in the US. By that time it was too late for me to ask for asylum. I felt very insecure and very fearful.
I decided to seek asylum in Canada. I crossed the border in Buffalo on May 14, 2008. Right away I found a prayer group called Viva La Casa. I was with them for fifteen days. Then I drove to southern Ontario because I have a sister who lives there.
I worry a lot about my father. It's very dangerous for him but it's his passion to help our people. I worry for my two sisters as well who still live in Columbia. But I feel very happy because Canadians have helped me a lot. I hope to help Canadians too. This country is very multicultural and there is no racism. Canadians respect each other. Canadians are learning a lot about refugees. Refugees need a little help at the beginning. Sometimes they don't have money or they don't know anyone. They need to learn English. They need to find a job. They need basic clothes and other things. The more Canadians learn about refugees the better life will be for all. I think it's important for the progress of the country.
*Name changed for his protection.
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