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George* is a man from an African country who has lived in the United States for 10 years. George is bisexual and has a partner and a United States citizen daughter. George has a fear-based defense against deportation based on his ties to his family members who are being persecuted in his home country for political reasons, and the fact that he is bisexual. He also has a family hardship defense against deportation. George needs an attorney to help him present his defenses against deportation at trial.

All CAIR Coalition matters placed with a pro bono team are robustly mentored by a CAIR Coalition attorney. Our mentoring program includes an opening meeting to discuss the scope and process of the matter, provision of samples, guidance on the law, review of draft filings, assistance with client contact, and guidance on preparation for interviews and hearings.

 

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George* is a man from an African country who has lived in the United States since October 2009. He arrived in the US on a visa but overstayed it because he was kidnapped and sexually abused by a man he met on an online dating site. Then, George was put out on the street with no identification or money. Because he had passed the check-in window for his visa and he did not have any ID, he was afraid to go to the police and has remained in the US without reporting the crimes against him. He now has a female partner and a young US Citizen daughter. His family is not aware of his bisexuality.

George fears returning to his home country because of his ties to his family members who are still in his home country and are being persecuted for political reasons. His parents worked for the current government. However, one of his parents began voicing concerns that the current president has been in power for decades. George's family members are now on the run from the government because of these opinions. Just in the last few months, the government killed George’s great uncle, and George’s brother was severely beaten by unknown assailants possibly connected to the government.

George also fears returning home because it is illegal to be gay there. He has had LGBTQ+ friends flee the country, and the government killed one of his friends. 

Together with these fears, George is also likely able to assert a family hardship defense against his deportation (also known as non-LPR cancellation of removal). George’s next hearing is a scheduling hearing in January in Arlington, Virginia.

 

George is detained in Farmville, Virginia, and speaks English.

 

Please contact our Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney, Jennifer Grishkin at Jennifer@caircoalition.org, if you are interested in taking this case.

 

*Pseudonyms are used to protect privacy.

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Pro Bono Opportunities