No English, No Representation

When the El Salvadoran detainee pleaded with me to help him file an appeal in the Board of Immigration Appeals, I felt helpless.

The judge has denied every relief that he is qualified for. He doesn't speak English & can't afford to hire an attorney or find a pro bono one to represent him. He's afraid for his life if he goes back to El Salvador because a gang of thugs killed his brother.

I can't help him because he has no transcript of his court hearing. The only document he has is the deportation paper. Also, my very limited Spanish & hand gestures prevent me from comprehending the details of his case.

All I do is say, "I'm sorry" as he waits for deportation.