Facts:  C is a 37 year old native of Honduras and mother of five who fled to the U.S. after being brutally attacked and threatened by members of a criminal gang. C and her husband and children witnessed a murder by gang members outside of their home. After the incident, gang members returned to C’s home on two occasions and forcibly entered, attacking C’s husband and son and raping C to keep the family silent. C attempted to report the crime to the police but they refused to help. C and her family hid with neighbors for several days because they feared the gang members would return. Later, the family discovered that the neighbors who had hidden them were murdered by the same gang members who attacked C and her family. Although the family fled together, C was separated from her husband and he was sent back to Honduras, where he lives in fear. C is alone in the U.S. with her five children and is terrified of what will happen if she is forced to return home. 

Legal assessment:  C and her children are in removal proceedings, and are eligible for asylum based on membership in a particular social group – witnesses to a crime who attempted to report the crime to police. C’s two oldest children are also eligible for special immigrant juvenile status, a special visa for children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected by a parent – in this case, their fathers. This status will allow them to remain in the U.S. and eventually be able to seek lawful permanent residence. C needs one or more dedicated pro bono advocates to help her and her children stay safely together. C's individual hearing has been scheduled for February 27, 2020.

C is a Spanish-speaker.