Support KIND: Legal Aid for Vulnerable Kids

For my birthday this year, I’m raising funds for KIND (Kids in Need of Defense) to address a critical and often-overlooked injustice in our immigration system: the lack of legal representation for unaccompanied minors. Under current U.S. law and legal precedent, unaccompanied children who enter the country alone and seek safety are not guaranteed a lawyer in immigration proceedings. Unlike in criminal court, where a right to legal representation is fundamental, immigration court does not provide the same protections—even for vulnerable children. This leaves thousands of young people, many escaping violence, persecution, and poverty, with the nearly impossible task of representing themselves in a foreign legal system, often in a language they don’t understand, against government lawyers who are trained to argue against their cases.

Research shows that legal representation makes a life-changing difference: children with lawyers are five times more likely to win their cases and gain protection than those without. Yet without resources like KIND and various other organizations aimed at closing the gap on this issue, most unaccompanied minors have no realistic chance of achieving a favorable and just outcome, putting them at risk of deportation back to dangerous situations. KIND steps in to fill this gap, providing pro bono legal services, advocacy, and support to ensure that these children have someone fighting in their corner.

As I have been navigating the process towards law schools and eventually becoming an attorney, I have had the opportunity to explore more about different legal issues internationally and domestically, one of which having been unaccompanied minors in our Immigration System. I am passionate about addressing inequities within the immigration system and believe every child deserves a fair chance to make their case and secure a safe future. By supporting KIND and furthering the discussion around this issue, we can help these vulnerable young people access the resources and representation they desperately need. Please join me in standing up for unaccompanied minors and ensuring they are not left to face these overwhelming challenges alone. Together, we can make a lasting impact and bring hope to children who need it most.