Justice shouldn't depend on a bank balance: Eugene's wrongful-eviction defense

I'm facing a wrongful-eviction defense. My hearing is scheduled for April, and the filing fees and the lawyer's retainer come to $3,150. 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 Laredo 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 $3,150 goes: • Attorney retainer: $2,050 • Filing and biometrics fees: $570 • Certified translations and document copies: $330 • Court-appointed interpreter and travel: $200 I'll keep this page updated with receipts as things happen. - Eugene