Still Fighting for the Right to Stay
- Lyda Ngin
- 52 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Since August 2025, “Andrés,” a young client from Honduras, has been held in immigration detention after what he describes as racial profiling during a traffic stop. At the time, he had an approved Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) petition, a valid work permit, and a driver’s license. Despite following the legal process available to him and securing protection from deportation through SIJS, he now faces the possible loss of his legal status and removal from the United States.
Both of Andrés’s parents are deceased. He has no siblings, and his extended family lives in Honduras. JFAI has represented him before immigration court and the Board of Immigration Appeals while pursuing federal court review. Our organization has also paid more than $1,200 in filing fees to date, ensuring that financial hardship does not close off the legal options still available to him.
“Without JFAI's support, I would have had no choice but to leave and give up,” Andrés shared. “I am still detained, fighting for my right to stay in the United States, even after already going through the entire process once before.”
His appeal is now before the Board of Immigration Appeals as JFAI seeks additional review in federal court. “Cases like Andrés’s show why access to legal representation is so important,” said Daniella Salas-Chacón, JFAI Staff Attorney. “A person should not lose the opportunity to pursue lawful protection simply because they are detained or cannot afford the cost of continuing their case. Our work helps ensure that every available legal option is fully presented and protected.”
Andrés’s case is not over, and neither is JFAI’s commitment to stand beside him. Funding makes consistent representation possible, especially in detention and appeals cases that require significant time and resources. Your support helps ensure that immigrants facing the legal system do not have to fight alone.
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*Name and photo changed for privacy reasons.