Two Guatemalan Families Desperately Seeking Asylum
Donation protected
Two Guatemalan Families Seeking Asylum
We have some updates:
We'd like to thank those of you who have so generously contributed to the legal defense fund for these two deserving families! If you have not yet taken the opportunity to donate on their behalf, we urge you to do so.
The photo below shows Telma with her son, César (13), who have been in the Bay Area since July.
They were joined this past week by, César, Sr., and their youngest, 7 year old Victor! (below) Twenty-year-old daughter, Elizama, journeyed with them, but was separated at the border from her father and little brother, and remains detained in Arizona.
So, although these four are very relieved to be together again, they are extremely concerned about their daughter, held in detention.
Here are Gladis, with her husband Mario, daughter, Adriana (13) and son Elisandro(9).
Both of these refugee families crossed the border legally, proved their “credible fear” to ICE agents, and now have cases in Immigration Court in San Francisco. They continue to ask for your help to pay for lawyers to defend them from deportation.
Like many refugees who historically have come to America: these families fled Guatemala to save their children from discrimination and violence. Telma and César fled to protect their children who have experienced violence including criminal threats and the murder of a friend. Gladis and Mario fled to protect their children from discrimination and violent assault. The violent histories of these indigenous people also include the murder of Mario Sr.'s parents, when he was just a toddler, and the recent murder of two of Telma’s relatives. This ongoing violence against indigenous people, without prosecution of the criminals, convinces them that their government will not protect them. They are determined to do all they can to provide a safe future for their children.
Their living conditions have improved this week. Now each family of four shares a bedroom in a relative's home. The children have not missed one day of school since being enrolled, and are studying diligently to learn English!
Their needs for representation remain urgent. Most asylum applicants without representation are denied their claims, but with a lawyer beside them, their chances increase markedly. They have interviewed with several non-fee legal foundations in the Bay Area and have contacted many more, but all are “at capacity”.
With the funds raised thus far, they have paid retainers and agreed on a schedule of payments for the lawyer in Oakland, who will represent Telma and César, Sr.'s family; and the lawyer in Concord, who will represent Mario, Sr. and Gladis' family. They have reached 2/3 of the $13,600 required for their defenses!
These families continue to manage very challenging circumstances: their ineligibility to apply for Work Permits; their inability to pursue their cases in court due to the prolonged government shutdown; and the increasing pressure to complete their cases by the end of one year with less available court time for their lawyers to fully present their claims for asylum.
Your donation of any amount will bring them closer to full funding for their critical representation.
Martha Beetley is the campaign organizer. All funds raised will be deposited in an account that has been established solely for the purpose of payment of all legal fees. Martha's husband, Tom Hagler, will manage this account.
Please also share this appeal with others.
We have some updates:
We'd like to thank those of you who have so generously contributed to the legal defense fund for these two deserving families! If you have not yet taken the opportunity to donate on their behalf, we urge you to do so.
The photo below shows Telma with her son, César (13), who have been in the Bay Area since July.
They were joined this past week by, César, Sr., and their youngest, 7 year old Victor! (below) Twenty-year-old daughter, Elizama, journeyed with them, but was separated at the border from her father and little brother, and remains detained in Arizona.So, although these four are very relieved to be together again, they are extremely concerned about their daughter, held in detention. Here are Gladis, with her husband Mario, daughter, Adriana (13) and son Elisandro(9).
Both of these refugee families crossed the border legally, proved their “credible fear” to ICE agents, and now have cases in Immigration Court in San Francisco. They continue to ask for your help to pay for lawyers to defend them from deportation.
Like many refugees who historically have come to America: these families fled Guatemala to save their children from discrimination and violence. Telma and César fled to protect their children who have experienced violence including criminal threats and the murder of a friend. Gladis and Mario fled to protect their children from discrimination and violent assault. The violent histories of these indigenous people also include the murder of Mario Sr.'s parents, when he was just a toddler, and the recent murder of two of Telma’s relatives. This ongoing violence against indigenous people, without prosecution of the criminals, convinces them that their government will not protect them. They are determined to do all they can to provide a safe future for their children.
Their living conditions have improved this week. Now each family of four shares a bedroom in a relative's home. The children have not missed one day of school since being enrolled, and are studying diligently to learn English!
Their needs for representation remain urgent. Most asylum applicants without representation are denied their claims, but with a lawyer beside them, their chances increase markedly. They have interviewed with several non-fee legal foundations in the Bay Area and have contacted many more, but all are “at capacity”.
With the funds raised thus far, they have paid retainers and agreed on a schedule of payments for the lawyer in Oakland, who will represent Telma and César, Sr.'s family; and the lawyer in Concord, who will represent Mario, Sr. and Gladis' family. They have reached 2/3 of the $13,600 required for their defenses!
These families continue to manage very challenging circumstances: their ineligibility to apply for Work Permits; their inability to pursue their cases in court due to the prolonged government shutdown; and the increasing pressure to complete their cases by the end of one year with less available court time for their lawyers to fully present their claims for asylum.
Your donation of any amount will bring them closer to full funding for their critical representation.
Martha Beetley is the campaign organizer. All funds raised will be deposited in an account that has been established solely for the purpose of payment of all legal fees. Martha's husband, Tom Hagler, will manage this account.
Please also share this appeal with others.
Organizer and beneficiary
Martha Beetley
Organizer
Redwood City, CA
Thomas Hagler
Beneficiary