Keep Clara & Her Family Safe in the U.S.

Help Clara & Her Family Stay in the U.S. for Life-Saving Care

Many of us know Clara Genis as the kind, hardworking woman who greets us with a smile every day while working as a housekeeper in our building. Over the past few years, she and her children have become a loved part of our community. Now, they urgently need us.

Clara fled Guatemala after surviving years of abuse at the hands of her husband, who repeatedly hospitalized her and made serious threats against both her and her children. With no protection and nowhere safe to turn, she made the desperate choice to come to the United States to give her children safety, stability, and a future.

In her own words:

“I came to this country to give my children a better life. We fled the gangs, the abuse, and the lack of opportunities—without even a house or food for my children. All I wanted was safety and hope for them.”

Since arriving, Clara has worked hard, paid her taxes, and followed every step of the legal process. She has not lived in the shadows—she has been fully engaged with the government, filing applications for legal status and permanent residency for herself and her children.

Despite her efforts, Clara was just told she has 30 days to appeal a deportation order. If she and her family are forced to leave, they will lose not only the safety they found here, but also the medical care her son desperately needs.

Her 17-year-old son is scheduled for two major surgeries on the 18th of this month at Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia. These surgeries are critical to his ability to walk. Afterward, he will be bedridden for four months and will rely completely on Clara’s care. With no other family in this country, they will have nowhere to turn if they are deported.

This fundraiser will help cover:

Legal fees for Clara’s urgent immigration appeal

Basic living expenses during her son’s recovery

Support so her son can complete his treatment at Shriners

Clara has done everything right—she works, she pays taxes, and she is raising her children with courage and dignity. She has never asked for help, but right now, she needs us.

We often feel frustrated by immigration policies, but this is a moment where we can do more than be angry—we can act. Clara and her children are our neighbors, our friends, and part of our community.

Please give what you can and share this campaign widely. Every donation helps Clara fight to stay, keep her son’s care on track, and keep her family safe.