Nina and Linda are two sisters of Chinese heritage whose family immigrated to the Caribbean island of Curaçao before eventually making their way to the United States. When they arrived in New York, Nina was just 4 years old and Linda was only 2. The sisters faced a childhood marked by instability and hardship that no child should endure.
After their parents were unable to care for them, Nina and Linda went to live with their grandmother in Brooklyn, New York. Their grandmother, though loving, struggled with limited resources and her own health challenges. The sisters grew up in a small apartment, often wondering about their future and whether they would ever have the stability other children seemed to take for granted. Despite these challenges, both girls excelled in school, finding refuge in education and the dream of a better future.
The sisters faced numerous obstacles: language barriers, cultural adjustment, financial hardship, and the constant fear of deportation. Their immigration status hung over every aspect of their lives - from applying to colleges to simply planning for the future. The uncertainty was emotionally exhausting, affecting their mental health and ability to fully engage in normal teenage activities.
Their case came to the attention of NY JFON (Justice for Our Neighbors) through a community referral. Senior Staff Attorney Samantha Blecher took on their case and recognized that both sisters qualified for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status due to the abandonment by their parents and the determination that reunification was not viable. Attorney Blecher navigated the complex legal process, filing petitions with family court and USCIS simultaneously to expedite their cases given their ages.
In August 2022, both Nina and Linda received their green cards - a moment they describe as 'the day our lives truly began.' The approval meant they could finally plan for the future without the constant shadow of deportation. They could apply for financial aid, work legally, and most importantly, dream without limits.
Today, Linda is pursuing her dream of studying Marketing in college, inspired by her desire to help immigrant-owned businesses succeed. Nina has also enrolled in higher education and volunteers with organizations that help immigrant youth. Both sisters remain close to their grandmother and are determined to give back to the community that supported them.
"To other young people in similar situations, Nina and Linda say: 'Don't give up. There are people who want to help you. Find them. Trust them. And never stop believing that you deserve a chance.'"
"The day we got our green cards, we finally felt like we belonged somewhere."
"Education was our escape, and now it's our future."