Abraham's Immigration Attorney Fees
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This is a FLASH fund! We need to raise $5,000 in ONE day so that we can pay the immigration attorney fee on Friday, August 30.
Abraham is an 18 year old refugee who has lived in Abilene, Texas since he was 7 years old. His family sought refuge from war torn Liberia in 2006. Shortly after their arrival here, the family began attending Highland Church which is where our story and their story became intertwined.
Many of you have been part of the journey of loving and caring for the Kollie family over the last 12 years. We thank you for your gracious generosity as you have prayed for them, donated money, and purchased presents, school supplies, new clothes and sports gear. You prayed and offered love and support when the kids lost their mom to a blood disease 5 years ago when Abraham was just 13. He struggled after losing his mom and made some choices that have led him to where he is now.
On behalf of Abraham Kollie, who is 18 years old, we now bring to you a need that is urgent and time sensitive. Please prayerfully consider how you might help again.
Next Wednesday, September 4 at 1 p.m., Abraham will appear before an immigration judge to determine whether he will be allowed to remain in the U.S. or deported. He has been held in an ICE detention center in Alvarado since February after he was taken into custody on a routine visit to his probation officer. He was on probation because he accepted a deferred adjudication plea on the advice of his court-appointed attorney.
We have learned that Immigration law is very different than criminal law, and sometimes refugees are given poor legal advice that adversely affects their immigration status. Many times this happens without the attorney or the refugee realizing the possible consequences. This was the case with Abraham. His guilty plea carries the penalty of automatic deportation, although recently the immigration judge approved Abraham’s application for Cancellation of Removal which would allow him to stay in the U.S. This approval gave Abraham a glimmer of hope that he might be allowed to remain at home. He will go before the judge next week.
We have worked as his advocates for the past 6 months trying to find an attorney who would take his case. We were unsuccessful until today when we spoke with an attorney who is willing to represent Abraham by asking the court for cancellation of his removal order. She is in good standing before the Dallas Immigration Court and has been practicing immigration law for 20 years. She believes Abraham’s age and his long-term legal residency provide a chance for him to remain in the US, although of course she can offer no guarantee.
Her fee is $5000, which is substantially less than any of the other lawyers who were willing to review Abraham’s case, and would need to be paid by August 30.
Abraham’s story is a difficult one, and he has accepted responsibility for the poor choices which resulted in his arrest in 2017. He has begun studying to complete his GED, and he wants a chance to live a productive, meaningful life in the country that has been his home since he was 7 years old. Although his African heritage remains strong in his heart and soul, his life in America has formed him as well. All of his immediate family live in the U.S.
Many of you have joined us in praying for Abraham during this challenging time, and we ask you to continue. We also would like to ask you to consider making a donation to help him have an attorney at his trial next week. This is a civil case and he will not be represented without your help. His need of funds is urgent and immediate. Thank you for donations. Please help us by sharing this fundraiser on your social media platforms.
Sincerely,
Suzetta Nutt and Summer Walters
Abraham is an 18 year old refugee who has lived in Abilene, Texas since he was 7 years old. His family sought refuge from war torn Liberia in 2006. Shortly after their arrival here, the family began attending Highland Church which is where our story and their story became intertwined.
Many of you have been part of the journey of loving and caring for the Kollie family over the last 12 years. We thank you for your gracious generosity as you have prayed for them, donated money, and purchased presents, school supplies, new clothes and sports gear. You prayed and offered love and support when the kids lost their mom to a blood disease 5 years ago when Abraham was just 13. He struggled after losing his mom and made some choices that have led him to where he is now.
On behalf of Abraham Kollie, who is 18 years old, we now bring to you a need that is urgent and time sensitive. Please prayerfully consider how you might help again.
Next Wednesday, September 4 at 1 p.m., Abraham will appear before an immigration judge to determine whether he will be allowed to remain in the U.S. or deported. He has been held in an ICE detention center in Alvarado since February after he was taken into custody on a routine visit to his probation officer. He was on probation because he accepted a deferred adjudication plea on the advice of his court-appointed attorney.
We have learned that Immigration law is very different than criminal law, and sometimes refugees are given poor legal advice that adversely affects their immigration status. Many times this happens without the attorney or the refugee realizing the possible consequences. This was the case with Abraham. His guilty plea carries the penalty of automatic deportation, although recently the immigration judge approved Abraham’s application for Cancellation of Removal which would allow him to stay in the U.S. This approval gave Abraham a glimmer of hope that he might be allowed to remain at home. He will go before the judge next week.
We have worked as his advocates for the past 6 months trying to find an attorney who would take his case. We were unsuccessful until today when we spoke with an attorney who is willing to represent Abraham by asking the court for cancellation of his removal order. She is in good standing before the Dallas Immigration Court and has been practicing immigration law for 20 years. She believes Abraham’s age and his long-term legal residency provide a chance for him to remain in the US, although of course she can offer no guarantee.
Her fee is $5000, which is substantially less than any of the other lawyers who were willing to review Abraham’s case, and would need to be paid by August 30.
Abraham’s story is a difficult one, and he has accepted responsibility for the poor choices which resulted in his arrest in 2017. He has begun studying to complete his GED, and he wants a chance to live a productive, meaningful life in the country that has been his home since he was 7 years old. Although his African heritage remains strong in his heart and soul, his life in America has formed him as well. All of his immediate family live in the U.S.
Many of you have joined us in praying for Abraham during this challenging time, and we ask you to continue. We also would like to ask you to consider making a donation to help him have an attorney at his trial next week. This is a civil case and he will not be represented without your help. His need of funds is urgent and immediate. Thank you for donations. Please help us by sharing this fundraiser on your social media platforms.
Sincerely,
Suzetta Nutt and Summer Walters
Organizer
Summer Pierson Walters
Organizer
Abilene, TX
