Help asylum seekers with legal fees

In many ways, Aamir and Aicha (we’ve changed their names for safety and sensitivity reasons) are like any young couple; they are eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child and are building a life together in the Pacific North West. Aamir loves soccer and is an experienced chef, anxious to provide for his growing family. Aicha enjoys listening to music and baking cookies (she is a trained pastry chef). However, to live in safety, they have had to make a heartbreaking choice that, thankfully, most of us will never face…..

Following death threats from their family and discrimination by authorities simply on grounds that they have chosen a faith tradition outside of Islam, they fled their home in Morocco. Aamir has pursued a Christian faith tradition. While Aicha is religiously skeptical. They hope to raise their child safely in a community that values and protects freedom of expression and religion.

Without quality legal representation, asylum seekers’ application denial rates are about 90%. As such, Aamir and Aicha face the very likely reality of an indefinite jail sentence if their asylum application is rejected and they are forced to leave the PNW and return to their home in Morocco. Expecting their first child together in March 2024, and with a court hearing to determine their application in the same month, their need for sound and fair legal representation is paramount. 

Aamir and Aicha deserve to live a safe life together, free from the threat and devastating consequences of separation, imprisonment, and harm. Help protect their future family, their dignity as human beings, and their religious freedom.

  

While they are eager to cover their own costs, they cannot legally work until 6 months after their initial asylum filing and will need financial support to make this happen. All funds raised, therefore, will be used to help cover their legal costs of seeking counsel from an asylum immigration lawyer. 

Fundraising Goals:

$6,000 - This will cover the initial payment to an asylum competent lawyer who can then file their asylum application and work permit requests as well as work to prepare their case for court. 

 $12,500 - This would cover the majority of their legal fees and allow them to have quality legal representation for their final asylum hearing and file an appeal if necessary.