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Dear Friend of the Rian Immigrant Center,
On February 27, I wrote to give you a brief update on our small Immigration Legal Services Team’s caseload. I reported that they had an open case load of 529 cases, 476 of which are full representation. These cases include petitions/applications for crime victims, victims of human trafficking, those with urgent medical needs, and unaccompanied children.
I am glad to report that so far have this year, we have 36 approved full representation cases. This shows that our work matters despite the intense pressure and rapid changes from the new administration. This number includes: 9 medical deferred action applications; 12 green card applications (through both humanitarian and family pathways); 6 citizenship applications and a U-visa approval. The U-visa is for victims of crimes (and their qualifying dependents) who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement and government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity.
Client story from a win that just happened this week:
Our client, Mariela (name changed to protect her identity), is a single mom of three U.S.
citizen children from Honduras who endured over a decade of severe domestic violence in her marriage. Our current director of Immigration Legal Services, Jackie Kelley, filed her U-visa application as a crime victim back in 2017. This week, we joyfully received notice that her U-visa was approved, ensuring her indefinite stability in this country alongside her three children. We celebrate her resilience and are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside clients on their pathway to safety and a stable future in the U.S.
I am again asking for your help. We are at full capacity and there are so many more who need our help. Please help us expand our capacity with your financial support.
Sincerely,
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