My name is Kenju, and I am the President of NYCouch.

Two weeks ago, we lost one of our dearest colleagues — not because he quit, but because he was detained by ICE during what was supposed to be a routine immigration check-in.

Boris Ostanin worked with NYCouch for over a year and a half and was one of the most reliable, hardworking people I’ve ever known. He showed up on time every day, never complained, and regularly carried heavy couches up and down NYC walkups so our customers could save money while moving. He worked honest, exhausting jobs to support his wife and to continue following the lawful process to seek asylum in New York.

Recently, Boris finally took a step toward the future he had been building. He left this physically demanding job to focus on his dream of becoming a programmer and was supposed to graduate from his coding bootcamp this month. Instead, he was detained and transferred thousands of miles away, separated from his wife and the life he was building here.

This is not what the American Dream is supposed to be.

We are raising funds to help cover legal fees, bond costs, and basic living expenses so Boris can return to NYC safely, reunite with his wife, and continue his asylum case with dignity.

NYCouch has helped thousands of New Yorkers during difficult transitions. Today, we’re asking our community to help one of our own.

Every donation, share, and message of support truly matters. Thank you for standing with Boris and his wife during this incredibly difficult time.

Thank You,