CAIR Coalition

Mr. AM, a citizen of Sierra Leone, is currently detained in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement at Hampton Roads Regional Jail in Portsmouth, Virginia.  Mr. AM entered the United States in 2000 as a refugee.

Mr. AM faces potential removal from the United States because of three minor criminal convictions: two charges relating to attempting to use a stolen check and a subsequent charge for falsely identifying himself to police.  Normally, these convictions would make Mr. AM ineligible for permanent residence; however, because Mr. AM is a refugee, he may apply for a waiver based on humanitarian considerations, family unity, or because his admission as a permanent resident is otherwise in the public interest.

Mr. AM has strong ties to the Untied States.  He has a two year-old daughter, and he maintains a close relationship with both his daughter and his daughter’s mother.  Both of Mr. AM’s 70 year-old parents live in the United States, as do both of his brothers.  Mr. AM has supported himself and his family by working as a building maintenance technician.  He has stated that his former employer would likely vouch for his reliability.  He wants to study engineering at the Northern Virginia Community College.  In order to be granted relief, Mr. AM must show that these positive factors outweigh his past mistakes as a matter of discretion.

This pro bono opportunity will require assisting Mr. AM in applying for adjustment of status and a “refugee waiver” under section 209(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.  In the alternative, Mr. AM is eligible to re-assert his fear-based claim and apply for asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture. Hampton Roads Regional Jail is located in Portsmouth, Virginia, and is approximately 3.5 hours away by car.   CAIR Coalition is available to assist in visiting the client at the jail. Mr. AM speaks English.  Mr. AM’s next master calendar hearing is January 21, 2010.  However, CAIR Coalition will be seeking a continuance on his behalf.

Contact: Elizabeth McGrail, Legal Director, liz.mcgrail@caircoalition.org, 202-331-3320, ex. 20