Hi! My name is Aru; I'm a trans woman and a migrant from Venezuela currently living in Western Massachusetts. I'm reaching out to you all today to ask for funds to help pay for legal representation at my green card interview.

I moved to the US somewhat haphazardly in the middle of COVID, but in the midst of all that chaos, I met my wonderful, brilliant partner Serra. The next year, we moved together to Maine, adopted Vaquita Jose—our wonderful cat and my best friend—and in September 2022, brought friends and family together for our wedding.

This gave me the opportunity to apply for a marriage-based green card, but since then, my application has lain idle in USCIS' hands. I received a notice this past Wednesday that my interview had been scheduled for August 6th, a mere week from today. Since then, I've been scrambling to get everything I need for it together, including finding a lawyer with immediate availability to represent me.

I've finally found one, but unfortunately, do not have the funds to pay for the retainer. Having legal representation at this interview is crucial, especially at a time when being a migrant in the US seems (somehow) harder than it's ever been, and I'm asking for your help to make it possible.

Any contribution, no matter the size, would mean the world to me as I work toward securing my permanent residency and building my life here with Serra, Vaquita, and the rest of my incredible chosen family here in the northeastern US.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can offer. Your kindness during this stressful time means more than I can express.

In Solidarity,

Aru