Friends - today is Legal Aid of North Carolina's second Day of Giving. This year's theme, #StandwithLANC, emphasizes the importance of standing together to support all North Carolinians who require legal assistance, and are unable to afford it. For me, I’m standing with immigrant survivors of crime in particular.

One U visa client recently texted me after picking up her work permit from our office:

“Hay abogada por fin llegó estoy que no puedo creer hace ya unos años desde aquel día que usted me habló por primera vez para decirme que podía tomar mi caso y aplicar para mi seguro y mi permiso y ahora que por fin lo tengo en mis manos sólo Dios sabe mis sentimientos y mis emociones Dios me la Bendiga hoy y siempre no tengo más que palabras de agradecimiento hacia usted y doy gracias a Dios por haberla puesto en mi camino gracias 🙏🏻”

The best translation I’ll offer:

“Oh, Lawyer! It finally arrived, I can't believe it's been a few years since that day that you spoke to me for the first time to tell me that you could take my case and apply for my [social security number] and my [work] permit and now that I finally have it in my hands only God knows my feelings and my emotions God bless you today and always I have nothing but words of gratitude towards you and I thank God for having put you in my path thank you 🙏🏻”

I filed this case in May of 2021 and just this week she has her work permit and is starting a brand new, hopeful chapter. She and her family have much to celebrate this week after suffering so much. By giving to my campaign and supporting the IMMPAV team fundraising goal, you are making this happen for more clients like this one.

For background, my team, Immigration Pathways for Victims, serves low income immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking across NC. Our clients have courageously cooperated with law enforcement, daily take a step forward beyond the trauma they’ve suffered to work with us to prepare and file their immigration case. We do so with the hope that they will soon enjoy the benefits the law provides for them. Without the help of a lawyer, they are likely to be mired in the complex and dynamic U.S. immigration system. Instead, we are with them for the years’ long journey towards accessing justice.

Please join me in standing with immigrant survivors. When they are safe and strong, and justice is in reach, North Carolina is the stronger for it. Please make a gift today!