Lucas* is 15 years old and from Guatemala. While Lucas was young, he lived with both his parents until his father cheated on his mother and then decided to leave them when Lucas was about 7 years old. After leaving the family, his father has not financially contributed, nor has he made any effort to keep in contact with Lucas. Neither Lucas nor his mother know where his father is or how to contact him.
In Guatemala, Lucas decided to start working full time after the 6th grade to account for the loss of his father’s support. He wanted to continue going to school but if he did not work his family would not have enough money to buy food and other necessities. Now in the United States and living with his mother in DC, Lucas is continuing his education and plans on graduating.
As a result of his father’s abandonment, Lucas is eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). SIJS is available to unaccompanied immigrant children who cannot be reunified with one or both parents due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. SIJS requires three approvals, one from a state family court and two from USCIS. Because a state family court order is required, the attorney who represents Jairo will need to be barred in DC or obtain court permission to appear pro hac vice.
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.
Special Consideration: This will be a 3rd party custody case, which has slightly distinct requirements, but the mentor will be able to expertly guide the attorney through this process.
Location: Washington DC -- not detained, living with his mother
Language: Spanish - will require a fluent Spanish-speaking pro bono team member or an external interpreter/translator
For more information about this case, please contact Pro Bono Managing Attorney Jennifer Grishkin at jennifer@caircoalition.org or 202-866-9287
*Pseudonyms are used to protect privacy
