Report on the Immigration Case of Steven Tendo and its Intersection with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

This report details the current status of Ugandan asylum-seeker Steven Tendo, following his mandatory check-in with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on January 21, 2025. Mr. Tendo has been granted a temporary reprieve, allowing him to remain in the United States for a minimum of six months. This case serves as a significant case study for the application and challenges of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

2.0 Incident Report: ICE Check-in of January 21, 2025

On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Steven Tendo reported to the ICE office in St. Albans, Vermont, for a mandatory check-in. The outcome of this meeting was a temporary resolution, not detention as was feared by Mr. Tendo and his supporters.

2.1 Official Outcome

• Mr. Tendo was not detained and was permitted to leave the facility freely.
• Federal officials granted him the ability to remain in the U.S. for at least the next six months.
• The frequency of his mandatory check-ins was increased from an annual to a semi-annual basis.

2.2 Community Response and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The event drew a significant community response, demonstrating a localized commitment to creating inclusive and supportive communities (SDG 11). Key observations include:

• A crowd of approximately 75 supporters gathered outside the ICE facility.
• Participants included members of Mr. Tendo’s church, colleagues from his union at the University of Vermont Medical Center, and advocates from Migrant Justice and the Central Vermont Refugee Action Network.
• This collective action highlights the role of community solidarity in advocating for the rights and well-being of vulnerable individuals, a core tenet of building sustainable and inclusive societies.

3.0 Legal and Human Rights Context in Relation to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Mr. Tendo’s case is deeply intertwined with the principles of SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

3.1 Background of Persecution and Flight

1. Mr. Tendo fled Uganda in 2018 following severe torture and the killing of family members by government forces, who perceived his advocacy organization as a political threat. This directly relates to SDG Target 16.1, which seeks to significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates.
2. His assertion that deportation to Uganda would be a “death sentence” underscores the critical need for international protection mechanisms that uphold fundamental freedoms (SDG Target 16.10).

3.2 U.S. Immigration Proceedings and Access to Justice

• Mr. Tendo’s 2019 asylum denial, based on alleged inconsistencies, and subsequent unsuccessful appeals, raise questions about ensuring equal access to justice for all (SDG Target 16.3).
• He is currently pursuing a lawsuit against the U.S. government for alleged mistreatment while in ICE custody in Texas, an action that seeks accountability from public institutions (SDG Target 16.6).
• His legal team, from a Vermont Law and Graduate School clinic, is working to reopen his asylum case based on new evidence of worsening conditions in Uganda. This effort represents a continued pursuit of justice through established legal channels.

4.0 Socio-Economic Impact and Broader SDG Implications

The case extends beyond legal proceedings, touching on fundamental aspects of human dignity, health, and economic contribution.

4.1 SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being & SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• Mr. Tendo’s lawyers have cited his need for crucial healthcare in the U.S. as a basis for preventing his deportation. This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
• His situation as an asylum-seeker with a final deportation order highlights the vulnerabilities and inequalities faced by migrants within national legal frameworks, a key concern of SDG 10 (Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, and responsible migration).

4.2 SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Mr. Tendo is employed by the University of Vermont Medical Center and is a member of a local union. His ability to engage in productive employment is contingent on his legal status.
• His case illustrates how precarious immigration statuses can inhibit the ability of individuals to contribute fully to the economy, impacting the goals of achieving full and productive employment and decent work for all (SDG 8).

5.0 Conclusion and Future Outlook

While the six-month reprieve provides temporary stability, Steven Tendo’s long-term security remains uncertain. The primary legal objective is to reopen his asylum case to secure a permanent resolution. His case continues to be a powerful example of the complex interplay between national immigration policies and the global commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. The ongoing efforts of his legal team and the robust support from his Vermont community underscore the importance of strong institutions, access to justice, and inclusive communities in upholding human rights and dignity.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
     
     The article states that one of the arguments Tendo’s attorneys are using to prevent his deportation is “the fact that he needs access to crucial healthcare in the U.S.” This directly links his case to the need for access to essential healthcare services.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers… and those in precarious employment.
     
     The article mentions that Tendo “works” at the University of Vermont Medical Center and that “members of a union” from his workplace were present to support him. This indicates his participation in the workforce and his ability to exercise labor rights, such as joining a union, which is a key component of this target.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies.
     
     The entire article is a case study of the U.S. migration and asylum system. It details the processes an asylum-seeker like Steven Tendo must navigate, including mandatory check-ins with ICE, the denial of an asylum application, the threat of deportation, and the use of legal appeals. The narrative highlights the complexities and challenges of existing migration policies.

4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
     
     The article explains that Tendo fled Uganda because he was “brutally tortured and members of his family were killed.” He states that being deported back to Uganda would be “a death sentence,” directly referencing the violence and death rates he faces in his home country.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
     
     This target is central to the article. Tendo’s case revolves around his interaction with the U.S. legal and immigration system. He is represented by attorneys from a “Vermont Law and Graduate School clinic that provides pro bono immigration law services,” highlighting efforts to ensure access to justice. Furthermore, he is actively using the legal system by appealing his asylum denial and “suing the government” over alleged mistreatment, which are direct exercises of promoting the rule of law.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Target 10.7 (Migration Policies)

   • Implied Indicator: Existence and implementation of asylum and migration procedures.
     
     The article describes the specific procedures Tendo is subject to, such as his “application for asylum protection,” the “mandatory check-in with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials,” and the existence of a “deportation order.” These processes are indicators of a country’s migration policies in action.

2. Target 16.1 (Reduce Violence)

   • Implied Indicator: Number of victims of violence and conflict-related deaths.
     
     The article provides a qualitative account of this indicator by stating Tendo fled after “members of his family were killed” and he was “brutally tortured” due to his advocacy work. His fear of a “death sentence” upon return serves as a direct testimony related to this indicator.

3. Target 16.3 (Access to Justice)

   • Implied Indicator: Proportion of the population who have accessed formal dispute-resolution mechanisms.
     
     The article provides clear evidence of Tendo accessing the justice system. He is represented by “attorneys,” has “appealed the ruling multiple times,” and is “in the process of suing the government.” The mention of “pro bono immigration law services” also points to mechanisms that facilitate access to justice for vulnerable populations.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: vtdigger.org