Justice shouldn't depend on a bank balance: Armando's wage-theft claim

I'm facing a wage-theft claim. My hearing is scheduled for January, and the filing fees and the lawyer's retainer come to $1,150. I have been told by three legal-aid offices that their waiting list is longer than my deadline. I have all of my paperwork ready, and my caseworker at the Mérida Community Legal Centre has confirmed that my case is valid. If I miss the deadline I could lose my right to stay with my family and my job. My children were born here and this is the only home they know. I'll share any non-sensitive updates as the case moves along. The money goes to the immigration attorney's trust account and the court filing office. I'll upload receipts with sensitive details removed. Where the $1,150 goes: • Attorney retainer: $940 • Filing and biometrics fees: $100 • Certified translations and document copies: $75 • Court-appointed interpreter and travel: $35 Whatever you can give, even just sharing this page, means a lot.