Testimonials

“I was eligible for an immigration benefit, but I could not afford the attorney fees. I nearly missed my deadline to register.”  Mary Hernandez is a 25 year-old single mother from Guatemala and a current recipient of Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. Mary needed urgent assistance with renewing her DACA status before March 2021; however, she could not afford the fees for a private attorney. 

“I was quoted $300 in attorney fees for my renewal. This would be in addition to the application fees of $495 charged by the United States Immigration office. I found it difficult to raise nearly $800 in total.” Mary explained. Mary lost her job at a local restaurant last year due to difficulties finding a babysitter for her newborn. Since then, she struggles to afford basic necessities for her family. 

One month before her DACA status expired, Mary heard about Fayetteville Justice for Our Neighbors (FJFON). “My sister saw the advertisement for this new immigration non-profit on Facebook. I called to ask for a price quote. I was relieved to find out that I would pay $0 in attorney fees due to having no income.”

With FJFON’s help, Mary filed her renewal application. “Having DACA status allows me to look for a job, and to drive in the United States without fear of being deported.” Mary added. “My parents are undocumented, so they rely on me for assistance. FJFON’s legal assistance allows me to help my entire family. We are so thankful for this service!”

- written by Donna Akuamoah

I was born in Guatemala, and I came to the United States when I was three years old. My mom wanted me to have greater opportunities for success because here in the United States, anyone can make their dreams come true.

I don’t remember much from the time when I first arrived, though I do have some memories. For example, I do remember that my favorite food was cereal with powdered milk. We would just add some water and boom! It was amazing.

I also remember parts of our journey from Guatemala. We could hear the rattle of the snakes around us while camping, but we would put garlic inside of our socks to keep them away.

The worst experience that I can remember happened when we first entered the desert. As soon as we were 10-15 minutes into our travels, the “zetas,” a group of “bad people,” as I was later told, came up to us with guns. They took all of our food and money.

Thankfully, nobody was harmed, and we were able to at least keep our water before being set free. It was a terrifying ordeal, but we made it here safe and together.

I am excited to share that I will be applying for a new form of immigration status in the U.S. Starting my application was fast and easy, thanks toNorth Carolina Immigration Law & Justice center (formerly Fayetteville Justice for Our Neighbors);. I give them all my thanks, but I especially want to thank my [NC-ILJC] attorney!  She was always very patient and loveable. She made me feel as if we had already met and known each other for a long time.

My message to everyone is to keep supporting [North Carolina Immigration Law & Justice center]; here in Fayetteville, so they can continue to advocate, educate, and provide high-quality immigration legal services to others just like me.

José received his green card in 2011 and started making plans to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. Finally, a friend recommended that he and his wife contact North Carolina Immigration Law & Justice center (formerly Fayetteville Justice for Our Neighbors); they worked with the staff attorney.

“She cares. She cares a lot. She wants you to be prepared, and she makes sure that everything is done right” he states vigorously.

José passed his test and took the oath of citizenship on July 5th. The significance of the date—one day after Independence Day—is not lost on him or his family. Although it was a small ceremony—his wife had become a citizen three months earlier—they had a family party for him afterward.

When asked "What has changed since you became a citizen?" Jose replied

“Nothing right away but a lot of things will change. I’m going to get a U.S.  passport. This is something I have been waiting for and wanting for a long time. I want to visit my mother in Mexico at the end of this year. And before that,” he adds, “I will vote.”

In the meantime, José talks up [[NC-ILJC] wherever and whenever the opportunity presents itself.

“I don’t speak well,” he says humbly. (He’s wrong about that.)  “But I have been recommending [NC-ILJC] to everybody I know. These are people who care about you, I tell them. These are people you can trust.”

*All names and identifying information have been changed to protect client’s confidentiality.