Justice shouldn't depend on a bank balance: Emery's family reunification petition

I'm facing a family reunification petition. My hearing is scheduled for December, and the filing fees and the lawyer's retainer come to $3,300. 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 Birmingham 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. Funds cover only the filing fees, translations and attorney retainer. Where the $3,300 goes: • Attorney retainer: $2,200 • Filing and biometrics fees: $700 • Certified translations and document copies: $240 • Court-appointed interpreter and travel: $160 Thank you for reading my story.