Justice shouldn't depend on a bank balance: Emon's citizenship application

I'm facing a citizenship application. My hearing is scheduled for October, and the filing fees and the lawyer's retainer come to $450. 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 Howrah 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 $450 goes: • Attorney retainer: $370 • Filing and biometrics fees: $45 • Certified translations and document copies: $20 • Court-appointed interpreter and travel: $15 I'll keep this page updated with receipts as things happen. - Emon