Help Me Reclaim My Freedom and Future.

Hello friends, community, and kind strangers,

My name is Elinah, and I am reaching out for your support in raising $12,000 to restart my stalled immigration process, which has been stuck in the system for the past 10 years. This amount will cover the USCIS filing fees and legal services required to continue my case. If I don’t act quickly, I risk losing my work authorization and facing an uncertain future without legal status. Your generous donation will help me overcome these hurdles and allow me to finally move forward with my life, reunite with my family, and regain the freedom I’ve longed for.

I fled Russia at the age of 20 in 2015, seeking safety and the freedom to express myself. As a Tatar, I belong to a minority group with a distinct cultural and historical identity, separate from ethnic Russians. We are an indigenous Turkic people with our own language, traditions, and religion. Unfortunately, in Russia, Tatars have faced centuries of cultural suppression and discrimination. Under both Russian imperial and Soviet rule, our rights and identities have been marginalized. This oppression is one of the key reasons I sought asylum in the U.S. — a place where I could live freely and safely.

When I arrived in the U.S., I applied for political asylum. However, my case has been stuck in the system since 2015. Over the years, immigration processes have become more difficult, especially for asylum seekers like me. For 10 years, I have not been able to leave the U.S. or see my family. I haven’t seen my mother since 2018, and her visa has expired, making it almost impossible for her to visit me now. The complicated visa process, combined with the high costs, means that we are separated by more than just distance — we’re also up against bureaucratic walls.

I dream of reuniting with my family and of traveling freely again. But first, I need to clear this immigration hurdle and move forward with my life.

Despite all the obstacles, I have been working tirelessly to build a future here. I created SHE.THEY.DJ, a DJ collective that creates opportunities for women, non-binary, and trans musicians. I’ve worked in the service industry, bartending, teaching flexibility & movement classes at dance studios, and even teaching DJing at music schools. I’ve made the most of the opportunities available to me, but the uncertainty of my immigration status continues to hold me back.

What I Need

Soon (August 2025) I will be due for a renewal of my work authorization forms and my current case will be voided due to the mishandling of my previous legal representation. Which will essentially void my current authorization (Form I-766/EAD) and I will be subjected to residing in this country with no legal status.

I am raising $12,000 to restart my immigration process and finally move forward with my life. To begin the process I need to upfront the starting cost of $7550 ( USCIS Filing Fees + half of the Retainer fee ) to file a new application and cover legal fees.

I am hoping my message to you all can provide a sense of urgency due to the uncertainty surrounding potential political changes. I fear that if I can't accomplish this soon, new policies can potentially make my case / legal status more difficult to resolve.

Breakdown of Fees:

To restart my immigration case, I need to pay the associated fees:

$3,100 – USCIS Filing Fees

$8,900 – Attorney retainer fee and legal services and contingencies)

Total Needed: $12,000

Every donation brings me one step closer to reuniting with my family and building a future without fear or uncertainty. I cannot do this without your support.

Thank you so much for your generosity and belief in my journey — it means the world to me.

With deep gratitude,

Elinah