Zayn (Zulfikor Khaydaralievich Umaraliev) is 19 years old and was recently detained after authorities were waiting outside his house to take him from his home in North Carolina. Within just 24 hours, he was transferred to a detention center in Georgia, where he is currently being held.

He originally came to the United States on a student visa, but after a car crash caused significant financial difficulties, he was forced to leave school and relocate to North Carolina. That is where I met him; he was my coworker and became a close friend.

Zayn has no family here in the United States to support him, making this situation incredibly urgent and isolating. At the time he was taken, he was still waiting on a decision regarding his asylum application, which he filed based on religious persecution.

As his coworker and friend, I am stepping in to help because he has no one else here to advocate for him. He now urgently needs legal representation to navigate his case and defend his rights, as his chances of a fair outcome are significantly reduced without a lawyer.

We are working to raise $6,000 to cover these attorney fees. The funds raised here will be withdrawn to my personal bank account, and I will then transfer them to the individual who kindly provided a loan to pay for the lawyer upfront. Every dollar donated will go directly toward these legal expenses and the costs of his case.

Having strong legal representation can make a critical difference in Zayn's future. If you’re unable to contribute, please consider sharing this fundraiser with your friends and community to help spread awareness.

Thank you for your support and solidarity during this challenging time.