From Violence to Success: A Colombian Father's Journey in Miami

Miami-Dade County, USA - In the vibrant community of Miami, the struggles and sacrifices of immigrant fathers come to light, revealing a deeply human narrative tied to the turmoil of their homeland. One such story is that of José Trinidad Torres Casas, who fled Colombia amidst violence between political factions. Born in Boyacá, José witnessed the brutalities of a massacre and endured threats from narcoterrorists, which led him to seek refuge in Bogotá. He eventually thrived as the dean of a computer engineering program but knew he had to relocate again for the sake of his children’s safety. “I had to leave everything behind for them,” he reflects, a sentiment shared by many who have left Colombia for a better life.

As José made his way to the United States, he transitioned from an academic career to the gritty realities of the working class, cleaning floors and struggling to secure employment. Despite the challenges, he established his own business catering to undocumented workers in Miami-Dade County, focusing on fruit-based supplies like carrot juice and Mamey juices. Known affectionately as “El Colombiano,” his dedication saw him working long hours, often at the expense of precious family moments. He faced health issues, including emergency surgery, but remained steadfast in his mission to provide a safer life for his children.

Migration and Its Challenges

José’s story is a microcosm of a larger narrative about migration from Colombia, a nation grappling with profound social and political crises. According to the Migrants and Refugees section of the Vatican’s migration profile, Colombia has historically had a negative net migration rate. However, in recent years, it has welcomed over 1.7 million refugees, predominantly from neighboring Venezuela, marking a significant shift. This influx comes as Colombia currently holds the highest number of internally displaced people globally, roughly 7.7 million as of the end of 2020, fleeing ongoing violence and decades of armed conflict.

Moreover, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and persistent drug trafficking issues have exacerbated poverty in Colombia, with around 9.04 million people affected by multidimensional poverty—18.1% of the population. The struggles aren’t limited to internal displacements; as of mid-2024, violent clashes and insecurity have prompted many Colombians to seek refuge abroad. This includes a notable rise in asylum applications to the United States and Spain, with over 116,800 new claims registered by mid-2024, marking an 18% increase from the previous year.

Continuing the Struggle

Despite facing numerous hardships, José’s children have thrived—a testament to his sacrifices. His son has ascended to an executive role, while his daughter has established herself as a journalist. “I’m proud of my children,” José says. His journey culminated in becoming a dual citizen, learning English, and eventually taking pleasure in a job with the federal government, allowing him to reflect on his past and future.

Even as he enjoys retirement near the Grey Smokey Mountains—echoing the Andean mountains of his youth—the plight of his fellow Colombians weighs on him. Reports from the UNHCR indicate that more than 278,000 individuals were displaced in 2023 alone, a crisis that persists. The situation remains critical with peace talks regarding the National Liberation Army (ELN) at a standstill, further complicating the landscape for families like José’s who yearn for safety and stability.

As we celebrate Father’s Day, José’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring strength and resilience of immigrant families. Each sacrifice made is not just an investment in a better future, but also a testament to the unyielding spirit of those who strive to overcome adversity for the sake of their loved ones. Compassion and understanding for migrants’ struggles can help foster a more inclusive society, ensuring that stories like José’s don’t fade into the background.