Juan is a beloved friend and community member in Conway. If someone has spent any real time in town, there is a good chance they know Juan. For years, Juan worked at the local gas station, but Juan was never just the person behind the counter. Neighbors jokingly called Juan the “Mayor of Conway” because Juan seemed to know everyone. Juan welcomed regulars, noticed when someone had not stopped by in a while, and brought kindness, laughter, and conversation to neighbors, farmers, travelers, and families alike. Early one morning, Juan was detained by ICE, and since then Juan has been separated from the community that has cared about him for years. Juan has no criminal record and had already been working toward resolving his immigration status and pursuing lawful permanent residency before this happened.

Now Juan is facing a complicated and unusual immigration court process that no one should have to go through alone. Immigration court is high-stakes and frightening, with hearings, deadlines, evidence requirements, legal arguments, government attorneys, and decisions that can have life-changing consequences. Without an attorney, Juan will most likely be removed from the country. The encouraging news is that Juan has a great legal team with Seifert Law standing beside him. Seifert Law can review Juan’s immigration history, determine what relief may be legally available, develop a clear legal strategy, prepare and file applications, gather supporting evidence and documentation, coordinate requirements involving immigration court, USCIS, ICE, and other agencies, address biometrics and background checks, arrange the required immigration medical exam at the appropriate stage, prepare Juan for hearings, and represent him in court. Based on the legal review of Juan’s case, there appears to be a very unusual potential avenue for relief, including the possibility of pursuing adjustment of status through the immigration process. No outcome can be guaranteed, but this is not a hopeless case. With experienced attorneys standing beside him, Juan has real reason for hope and a real opportunity to pursue the legal path available to him.

Juan’s next hearing is on October 8, so this need is urgent. Funds are needed right away for the legal work, government fees, and Juan’s medical exam to help show that Juan is doing the right thing to fix a green card issue and move forward through the proper legal process. No single friend or family member can carry this expense alone, which is why Tim and Juan’s friends are asking the Conway community, along with anyone moved by Juan’s story, to come together for him. All funds raised will go directly to Seifert Law for Juan’s legal defense. Every donation, big or small, helps fund that work and brings Juan closer to home. If donating is not possible, please share this fundraiser with friends, family, neighbors, former coworkers, and anyone who remembers Juan from the gas station. Juan has spent years being there for others. Now Juan needs people standing beside him so Juan does not have to face immigration court alone.