Keep Pedro in the USA
Donation protected
In the course of teaching English to immigrants, I've heard some heart-breaking stories. One of my most determined and excellent students, Pedro, from Guatemala, is in danger of being sent back. Pedro came to the US to find a better life with much more opportunity than he could find in his homeland. He's been working as a cook in a Columbia County restaurant, doing 11 hour shifts. He comes to class regularly and works hard to constantly improve his English. His dream is to one day start his own restaurant.
He came to the States with a visa in 2006. After the visa expired, he stayed on, living with friends and working. In 2018, immigration officers picked him up between his car and his home. At that point he got a lawyer and appeared in court in NYC. He was told he could stay for 2 years, and the only way he could stay permanently is if he marries an American.
Last year, his brother in Guatemala was approached by criminals who tried to extort $80,000 from him because they knew he had a "rich" brother in America. His brother went to the police and the criminals were caught. Pedro applied for asylum based on his fear of retribution if he returns to Guatemala.
Now, the two years are up, and he had to go back to court in NYC on Dec. 20th. His application for asylum was denied. And the judge said "You have to leave the States by February 18, 2020."
His lawyer is appealing the decision. Pedro has already paid huge legal fees, and now has fees on this case of $5000. Can you help him continue his fight to stay here?
Pedro wants to stay here because he loves the friends he's made here, and he loves the US for the opportunity it's given him. He's able to help his mother who has health problems and values his freedom to grow and learn.
Pedro says, "I would be so grateful if I could get help to stay here. God bless you."
He came to the States with a visa in 2006. After the visa expired, he stayed on, living with friends and working. In 2018, immigration officers picked him up between his car and his home. At that point he got a lawyer and appeared in court in NYC. He was told he could stay for 2 years, and the only way he could stay permanently is if he marries an American.
Last year, his brother in Guatemala was approached by criminals who tried to extort $80,000 from him because they knew he had a "rich" brother in America. His brother went to the police and the criminals were caught. Pedro applied for asylum based on his fear of retribution if he returns to Guatemala.
Now, the two years are up, and he had to go back to court in NYC on Dec. 20th. His application for asylum was denied. And the judge said "You have to leave the States by February 18, 2020."
His lawyer is appealing the decision. Pedro has already paid huge legal fees, and now has fees on this case of $5000. Can you help him continue his fight to stay here?
Pedro wants to stay here because he loves the friends he's made here, and he loves the US for the opportunity it's given him. He's able to help his mother who has health problems and values his freedom to grow and learn.
Pedro says, "I would be so grateful if I could get help to stay here. God bless you."
Organizer
Bee Docktor
Organizer
Ancram, NY