Facts: E is a 17-year-old young man from Honduras who came to the U.S. to reunite with his mother. E was detained and sent to a shelter in Florida, for about 16 days, and later released to his mother, Y. In Honduras, E lived with both his mother and father until Y kicked E's father to escape his abuse. E's father would viciously beat E and Y, knocking E off of his feet when he was only 8, and breaking Y's nose. E's father abused drugs and alcohol, leading E to live in a constant state of anxiety and fear, not knowing what behavior would trigger a beating from his father. In the U.S., E lives with his mother and step-father, a man who parents him like the father he never had.

Legal Assessment: E is in removal proceedings and is eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), a visa for children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent. This status will allow E to remain the in the U.S. with his mother and step-father, and to pursue his dream of going to university to study business. E needs a dedicated pro bono advocate to fight for him before the local family court and the Immigration Court.  E has an MCH scheduled for 6/19/20.

E is a Spanish-speaking client.

* A master calendar hearing (MCH) is the first appearance that happens in an immigration case. It is at this appearance that the Immigration Judge (IJ) accepts pleadings. For those who are familiar with criminal court, it has been likened procedurally to an arraignment.