Stories of Hope

Eric arrived in the United States from Ecuador in March 2020. After a falling out with his mother, he became displaced and sought legal assistance. Due to his age and circumstances, his case was expedited through Volunteers of Legal Service.

Karla fled violence in El Salvador at the age of 16. After her first court appearance, she was connected with KIND (Kids in Need of Defense), who provided her with legal assistance throughout her journey.

Emerson fled El Salvador at age 11 to escape violence and reunite with his mother. After a difficult journey, he was reunited with her in the United States. KIND provided legal assistance throughout his case.

Alexandra fled Guatemala at 15 to escape sexual abuse and trafficking. After arriving in the U.S., she was connected with KIND, who provided her with dedicated legal representation throughout her asylum case.

Estefania arrived in the U.S. from Guatemala in 2014 as a 16-year-old unaccompanied minor, fleeing extreme poverty. After her aunt gained custody, her SIJS petition was approved. A court error caused a 2.5-year delay, but she persevered.

Maria grew up in an abusive home in Guatemala. At age 7, her parents brought her to the United States. The abuse continued from her father. Because she was nearing 21, her case was expedited and approved by USCIS in just 4 months.

Nicolasa, a 20-year-old woman, came to the United States after her mother's death. Her father also passed away after she arrived. An immigration resource center and network of attorneys helped expedite her case just before her 21st birthday.

Jose fled a life of abuse in Honduras. At just 15, he endured excessive corporal punishment from his father, who forced him to work in the fields instead of attending school. His mother couldn't intervene. He found courage to escape to New York.

Juan, just 5 years old from El Salvador, lost his father to murder. In New York, the death of a parent is considered 'constructive abandonment.' The Bronx Family Court determined it was in his best interests to remain in the United States.

Xiao Jie was sent to the US for studies. His parents divorced and his father remarried, leaving him with no financial or emotional support. He lived with his mother's friend and worked part-time while pursuing education.

Ariel fled Guatemala at age 15 to escape gang violence and an abusive home situation. After arriving in Washington State, he was connected with the Latino Civic Alliance Youth Coalition who guided him through the process.

Hana came to California at age 13 with her mother to escape domestic violence in South Korea. Her father had been physically abusive for years. After arriving in the U.S., Hana's mother found work while Hana attended school and healed.

Two brothers came to the US with their mother on a visitor visa and overstayed. Their father in South Korea never contacted them or provided any support, constituting abandonment under US law.

Kenji was sent to live with his aunt in Los Angeles at age 14 after his parents divorced in Japan. His father, who had legal custody, became increasingly neglectful and eventually stopped all contact and support.

Somchai was brought to the U.S. by his mother when he was 8 years old. His father had abandoned the family in Thailand and never provided any support. Growing up in California, Somchai faced challenges but persevered through school.

Mei Ling came to the U.S. at age 10 with her mother after her parents separated in Taiwan. Her father had been emotionally abusive and controlling. They settled in the San Francisco Bay Area where she excelled in school.

Aisha came to California at age 11 with her mother, fleeing an abusive household in Malaysia. Her father had been physically and verbally abusive to both Aisha and her mother for years before they escaped.