Four refugee and immigrant entrepreneurs shared their emotional stories with a packed house at Naperville’s Highpoint Church, explaining how they escaped war or violence in their native countries to come to the United States.
They described the perseverance and determination needed to overcome obstacles to reach America — the same qualities that served them well as business owners in their new country.
“You have to have vision. I never sleep before midnight. I stay awake working on my business,” said Janvier, one of four panelists who only revealed their first names at the program Thursday night presented by World Relief DuPage/Aurora. It showcased successful refugee and immigrant business owners.
“My kids already have an understanding of hard work, not just for my family, for my community. We have to reinvest in this community,” said Janvier, who created the Coffee One brand of drinks from Burundi and Rwanda.
“We’re super hungry to be successful and help people along the way,” added Abraham, who was one of the 800,000 young people enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program rescinded by President Trump recently.
“DACA gave me a chance to have a life like everyone else, the ability to work,” said 18-year-old Abraham of the former federal policy that allowed certain immigrants who entered the country illegally as children to apply for a two-year, renewable work permit and avoid deportation.
Abraham’s parents left Mexico in 2003 after one of their employees was kidnapped; in 2012 they opened a fast casual Mexican restaurant in Oswego, which has since expanded to five locations. Salsa Verde was one of 22 different featured local businesses, from auto repair and home remodeling to transportation and tax services, described on panels displayed at the gathering.
The event also featured free food provided by many of those who own restaurants, grocery stores and beverage companies. Five business donated raffle prizes, such as free haircuts or oil changes, to raise money for the nonprofit organization, which assists all types of immigrants by providing English classes, legal help and other services.
Tabitha McDuffee, communications coordinator for World Relief DuPage/Aurora, said the “Spotlight on Refugee and Immigrant Entrepreneurs” program is one of many events throughout the year designed to educate the community about the contributions of immigrants.
“It dispels misconceptions centered around employment and whether or not they are working,” said McDuffee, adding that “the vast majority of immigrants who come to the United States do not qualify for aid” and those who do only receive “benefits contingent on working toward employment.”
“You hear about refugees and immigrants. Here’s an opportunity to learn about what they’re doing,” said Alison Bell, senior resettlement manager for World Relief DuPage/Aurora.
About 200 people listened intently during the 90-minute discussion featuring four people who described their journeys. Janvier said he had an import/export coffee business in Africa before opening Coffee One in Glen Ellyn and taking classes at the College of DuPage to get his business degree. Ibtisam said she had a thriving sewing business in Iraq and is now trying to duplicate that success in the Chicago suburbs. Walter said his father’s business in Germany employed more than 1,000 people before he had to flee in 1937 with his Jewish family because of growing anti-Semitism there.
“The Nazis took everything. We had to start from scratch,” said Walter. “What makes this country great is we have people from all over the world come here with ideas and make a business.”
Abraham said he and his parents and three brothers are among 100 people who work in their family’s restaurants. He said the president’s termination of DACA is hitting his community hard. “A lot of people will lose their jobs,” Abraham said.
The audience gave the panel a standing ovation at the conclusion of the program, and the moderator suggested attendees take action by patronizing one of the 22 businesses listed on the brochure, volunteer or donate to World Relief DuPage/Aurora, or contact Congress about DACA.
Sarah Flagel, immigrant legal supervisor for World Relief DuPage/Aurora, said the decision is spreading a new wave of fear in the immigrant community.
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“There is a pretty significant impact, a sense of betrayal,” said Flagel. “We’ve been following them for five years, as they’ve graduated high school, gone to college, got licenses for nursing and other fields, bought houses, got married. A lot fear what they’ll lose. They wonder: What are my options? Do I have to go under the table? Do I have to leave the States? Many came at 6 months or 1 year old. Some speak very little of their native language.”
“There’s been a lot of confusion,” added Bell, who said the World Relief DuPage/Aurora legal team has “represented over 800 DACAs.” The group also is holding information sessions.
Diane Moca is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.