Orphaned and stateless, Widlene quickly became part of Vaden’s family, yet her life remained perilously unstable due to her lack of citizenship in either Haiti or the Dominican Republic. The Dominican government’s strict anti-immigration policies toward Haitians added layers of hostility and danger. Over a decade, Vaden, Widlene and the whole Earle family encountered life-threatening situations that went beyond bureaucratic barriers—they were often in real physical peril.
Despite Vaden’s persistent appeals to the Canadian government for humanitarian protection, the response was slow and limited. Meanwhile, in the Dominican Republic, The Earles faced terrifying risks, including high-speed chases to avoid hostile authorities. Vaden vividly remembers when Widlene had a gun pointed at her during one such encounter—a haunting memory that continues to weigh heavily on him.
POLICE INTIMIDATION BECAME ROUTINE, WITH OFFICIALS REPEATEDLY WARNING THE FAMILY TO ABANDON THEIR EFFORTS TO SECURE HER FUTURE.
Even daily routines were dangerous. When she ventured out in public, Widlene was often harassed and isolated, and on one occasion, authorities threatened her with deportation unless she complied with degrading demands. Forced to move constantly, they lived in hiding to avoid officials who could endanger them further. Yet their story did not go unnoticed. The “Bring Widlene Home” (BWH) campaign went viral, sparking global attention and support from international media, celebrities, and even influential figures and billionaires. This massive outpouring was a testament to the global resonance of their struggle for justice.
As the campaign gathered momentum, Vaden’s journey took him face-to-face with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on multiple occasions. In each encounter, Vaden pressed Trudeau directly on the urgent need to bring Widlene to Canada, as the Prime Minister promised to “keep an eye on” her case. Trudeau’s public assurances, however, did not result in immediate action, and Vaden continued to rally support from all avenues to keep the pressure on. The story of Widlene’s plight resonated deeply, drawing empathy and action from people around the world who were moved by her resilience and Vaden’s unwavering dedication.
Through every moment of fear, Widlene’s spirit remained unbroken. Vaden’s family, along with the global community behind the BWH campaign, pressed forward to give her the life she deserved. Their journey underscores the courage it takes to protect a child in a system often indifferent to human rights—a call for justice in the face of overwhelming adversity.