Abigail Hernandez is a disabled young adult victimized by a series of erroneous and unjust actions and decisions in Rochester, NY. She is in urgent need of assistance. Abigail requires an appellate immigration attorney, with expertise in the intersections of criminal, disability and immigration law. We need to raise significant financial support immediately in order for a new legal team to interact with the current judge within days. Pro bono representation is also being sought, but at this time has not been engaged. If an appeal is necessary, it must be filed in the beginning of December. Resources will also be necessary if Abigail is deported to Mexico, as she has no support there. Abigail was brought from Mexico before school age, has suffered multiple serious traumas, and is profoundly intellectually disabled. These are only a few of many stressors in her young life. Abigail was enrolled in a special program for students with profound cognitive disabilities and was accused of making a terroristic threat on social media. Uninformed actions by school and police authorities set in motion a cascade of dire consequences. This is a complex case and illustrates how far removed the legal system and federal courts are from rational and humane decision-making. A recent decision by an immigration judge denied asylum and any other relief for Abigail. There is a 30 day window for appeal -- without intervention she will be deported to Mexico where she has no support. We are urgently seeking your organization’s financial assistance to help save Abigail’s life. If your organization has the resources to sponsor Abigail’s legal costs, in full or part, please reach out as soon as possible. Private attorney costs, and planning for possible resettlement in Mexico, are expensive: we are aiming to raise approximately $15,000 very quickly, which is why we are asking you to think about organizational grant possibilities. If you are a member of an organization with modest or little resources, please consider what might be possible, and please share this communication with your members so they can participate in our community fundraising campaign. Please contact I. Geena Cruz at [email redacted] or [phone redacted] or Pam Adams at [phone redacted] for more information. Contributions of any amount are welcome through the community fundraising campaign for Abigail’s legal and possible relocation expenses. Checks may be written to Pearl Ministries, Inc, subject line Abigail Hernandez, mail to Pearl Ministries, 215 Tremont St., Door 2, Rochester, NY 14608. (501c3 status means your contribution is tax deductible).

Leslie Kaufman

Anonymous

Barbara Deitz

Pia Moller

Melora A Miller

Linda DiStefano

Lauren Landsburg

Lynn Buffington

Carmen Staub

Emily Good

Julie Damerell

Katherine Denison

Mitch J

Carol Tolley

Rachel Barnhart

Fundraiser for Abigail Hernandez

Fundraiser for Abigail Hernandez

Still $5,860 to go. Help us build momentum.