Cristina* has endured extensive trauma since childhood. At age 12, she began suffering emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Around age 14, her biological family abandoned her and forced her to leave her home. A woman took her in, which allowed Cristina to continue her education with aspirations of becoming a lawyer. However, the woman’s 21-year-old son persistently pursued a relationship with Cristina despite her initial refusal. She eventually agreed to date him. He physically and psychologically abused her for years. She was afraid to tell anyone about the abuse she suffered due to his continued threats of violence. Eventually, she reported him to the police, and he was incarcerated.   

Cristina has been assaulted on numerous occasions by other men. After she reported these assaults, several men were sentenced to jail time, and all have made varying degrees of threats against her, stating they will seek her out and harm her after their release. 

Additionally, Cristina’s former husband was a gang member, and she witnessed him dismembering a body. This information appears in medical records but has not yet been presented in immigration court proceedings.  

Cristina has been diagnosed with significant mental health conditions stemming from her extensive history of trauma. These include alcohol use disorder, PTSD, and major depressive disorder. She has experienced symptoms requiring hospitalization and has received ongoing treatment for several years. She currently takes medication that has improved her symptoms. Cristina also has a history of serious physical health conditions that include a brain tumor and migraines, as well as head injuries from a physical assault in 2021. 

Cristina has multiple convictions, including three DUI offenses, as well as charges that were dismissed or nolle prossed. An attorney can help her mitigate this history by showing its clear connection to the sexual trauma she endured and her attempts to numb emotional pain with alcohol. 

Cristina is eligible for fear-based protection from deportation that may include asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture. She also may be eligible for a U visa based on an assault she experienced in 2021 for which she sought medical treatment.  

All Amica Center deportation defense cases placed with a pro bono team are robustly mentored by an Amica Center attorney and/or fully Accredited Representative with expertise in representing clients in immigration proceedings. Our mentoring program includes an opening meeting to discuss the scope and process of the matter, provision of samples, guidance on the law, review of draft filings, assistance with client contact, and guidance on preparation for interviews and hearings. 

• Location: Caroline County, VA (detained) – Facility allows in person visits and uses Virtual Attorney Visitation system.
• Timeline: Next calendar (scheduling) hearing is on June 18th in Annandale Immigration Court.
• Language: Spanish

Please contact our Managing Attorney for Pro Bono Coordination, Jennifer Grishkin, at jennifer@amicacenter.org if you are interested in taking this case.

*Pseudonyms are used to protect privacy.