A Mother's Plea to Remain With Her Daughter

Hi, my name is Michelle (Michou) Crichlow, and I’m a single mom from Toronto living in Baltimore with my 6-year-old daughter. I’m asking for your help to avoid deportation away from her.

I came to the U.S. from Canada in 2017 to build a life with my then-husband. We bought a home, welcomed our beautiful daughter, and began a life together. Then came COVID. Like many, our lives were upended—and eventually, our marriage ended in divorce. Amid the heartbreak and chaos, my green card expired.

Now, I’m facing deportation.

This July, I was arrested by ICE re-entering the US after a visit to my family. Until recently, people in my situation—peaceful, long-term residents with family ties—were rarely detained. But the policies have changed. I was released, but now I wear an ankle monitor, awaiting a court date in December that could determine whether I get to stay with my child… or be sent away from her.

My daughter was born here. Her entire life—her school, her friends—is in the U.S. Her father is here and is a U.S. citizen. We have joint custody, and because of our legal agreement, I can’t simply take her with me if I’m forced to leave. That would be considered a violation of custody and could cost me my parental rights.

If I’m deported, I face the unthinkable: being separated from my little girl.

Why I’m Asking for Help

It has been very difficult for me to reach this point of asking for I am doing everything I can to fight this, but immigration lawyers are expensive, and I simply cannot afford the legal support I need on my own.

I’m raising $50,000 to cover:

Retaining an experienced immigration attorney

Legal filings and court costs

Travel and expenses for mandatory court appearances

Living costs

This is not just a legal battle — it’s a fight for my family, my future, and most importantly, my child’s emotional and physical well-being.

How You Can Help

Your donation — big or small — will help me stand a fighting chance. Even just $10 brings me one step closer to staying with my daughter.

If you’re unable to give right now, please consider sharing this campaign with your community. Awareness helps more than you know.

Thank you for reading my story. Thank you for standing with me in this terrifying, uncertain time. More than anything, thank you for believing that families should stay together. From my heart to yours.

With deep gratitude,

Michelle (Michou) Crichlow