M and P were raised without their father for most of their lives. Imprisoned for other crimes,...

  • Client Location: Nanuet
  • Type of Relief: Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) + Asylum in Immigration Court

PLACED

Facts: M and P are brothers from Ecuador who fled to the U.S. after their father, L, threatened to kill them. M and P were abandoned by their father when they were very young and raised by their grandparents in the countryside. The boys' mother, T, financially supported them from the U.S. and divorced L to protect herself and her children from domestic violence. L fled the U.S. to Ecuador after the relationship ended because he was facing a criminal investigation in Massachusetts for the murder of a woman and her child in the Boston area.  After his return to Ecuador, L was imprisoned for the crimes that occurred in the U.S. and remains in prison today.  Even from prison, L would mercilessly and repeatedly threaten T's parents and children with death. M and P have no relationship with their father, nor has he financially supported them. M and P currently reside with their mother and siblings and have re-enrolled in high school.  They lead safe, happy, and protected lives, and look forward to a bright future.

Legal Assessment: M and P are in removal proceedings and are 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 them to remain in the U.S. with their mother and siblings.  The boys may also have a claim for asylum, which should be pursued concurrently to preserve all of their legal options. M and P need a volunteer attorney like you to fight their case before the local family court and the Immigration Court.

M and P are Spanish-speaking clients.

* 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.

Topics:
  • Family
  • Immigrant Children
  • Estimated Time Commitment (Hours)
    • < 5
    • 5-10
    • 10-20
    • > 20
    • unknown
  • Mentor Available
  • Free Volunteer Training
  • Organization Provides Malpractice Insurance
  • Case Level / Appropriate For
    Beginner, Intermediate
  • Skills Developed
    Administrative hearing, Case Management, Client advice and counseling, Client/witness interviewing, Legal research & writing
  • Venue where case will be heard
    USCIS, Rockland County Family Court, Immigration Court