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

Lester needs $3,600 for filing fees and representation in a citizenship application before the November deadline.

🇺🇸 United States1,865 views
Lester C. Galang
Email verified
Los Angeles
I'm facing a citizenship application. My hearing is scheduled for November, and the filing fees and the lawyer's retainer come to $3,600. 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 Los Angeles Welcome 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 $3,600 goes: • Certified translations and document copies: $85 • Attorney retainer: $3,400 • Court-appointed interpreter and travel: $115 With deep gratitude, Lester

Updates from Lester

No updates yet. Supporters are notified when the owner posts one.

  • Anonymous 🇧🇷 · $200

    “Thought of Lester all day after reading this. - Rio de Janeiro”

  • Citlali M. Peña 🇨🇴 · $200
  • Bukola Blessing Ogunbanjo 🇳🇬 · $200

    “Take care of yourselves. Thought of Lester all day after reading this. - Epe”

  • Stephanie E. Castillo 🇺🇸 · $100
  • Shakil Karim Kabir 🇮🇳 · $100
  • Valentina T. Paredes 🇨🇴 · $100

    “Every little bit. Only $100 but hope it helps. - Barranquilla”

  • Chihiro Miura 🇯🇵 · $50

    “My neighbor told me about this one. - Kawasaki”

  • Ayu Wulan Kurniawan 🇮🇩 · $50

    “All the best. I'm in Denpasar, thinking of you.”

  • Julieta D. Sandoval 🇦🇷 · $25
  • Maëlle Monique Leroy 🇨🇦 · $25
  • Chukwuemeka Kunle Danjuma 🇳🇬 · $25

    “Thinking of you. Only $25 but hope it helps. - Lagos”

  • Bagus Dedi Setiawan 🇮🇩 · $25
  • Unathi A. Fortuin 🇿🇦 · $25
  • Aarti M. Grewal 🇮🇳 · $25
  • Vlad Dan Mocanu 🇷🇴 · $21.50

    “Blessings. This is from my last paycheck, glad to do it. - Iași”

  • Bintou Konaté 🇫🇷 · $20

    “Be well. Thought of Lester all day after reading this. - Marseille”

  • Kiptoo Kato 🇰🇪 · $20
  • Ksenia Anna Ponomarenko 🇷🇺 · $20
  • Anonymous 🇧🇷 · $20
  • Kausar Kiran Qureshi 🇵🇰 · $18.50

    “Best of luck. Thought of Lester all day after reading this. - Rawalpindi”

Reviews

2.8(5 reviews)

Only people who gave to this need, or whose offer to help was accepted, can review it.

  • Intan Zahra Wibowo🇮🇩Verified donor
    Delivered on promises

    This is the kind of person who restores your faith in humanity. They didn't just offer help; they genuinely cared about my wellbeing and followed through on every commitment.

  • Bruno B. Cortés🇺🇸Verified donor
    Exceptional service

    I can't speak highly enough about this helper. They were available when I needed them, supportive when I felt lost, and practical in their solutions.

  • Brielle G. Ramirez🇬🇧Verified donor
    Practical and effective help

    I can't speak highly enough about this helper. They were available when I needed them, supportive when I felt lost, and practical in their solutions.

  • Isaiah P. Alexander🇬🇧Verified helper
    Exceeded expectations

    I was struggling and didn't know where to turn. This person stepped in without hesitation and provided exactly what I needed. Their compassion and expertise made all the difference in my life.

  • Aditya Mulyadi Maulana🇮🇩Verified donor
    Changed my perspective

    The support I received was beyond what I expected. Not only did they help with the immediate need, but they also provided guidance for long-term solutions. I'm forever grateful.

Questions & comments

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  • Good luck. Reading this made my day a bit heavier but I'm glad I did. Sent it to 25 people at work.

    • Wishing you the best. Shared it with a few friends. After 14 years in social work I know how hard it is to ask for anything.

      • Thinking of you and your family, Lester. I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. After 18 years in logistics I know how hard it's to ask for anything. Take care.

        • Joyce OliverQuestion

          is there a list of costs somewhere? Just curious how it adds up for Lester

          • Lester C. GalangOwnerAnswer

            Everything on the list is an amount I've been quoted or invoiced. certified translations and document copies comes first ($85) and I'll update the page as each thing gets paid. Thanks for asking.

        • Stay strong, Lester. Hope you get there. I went through something like this 5 years ago and strangers helped me out. Love from Los Angeles

          • Sending strength, Lester. Gave what I could, wish it was more. I'm in hospitality myself and wanted you to know we're cheering for you. All the best

            • Looking forward to the next update. I told my book club about it and three of them are giving too. Greetings from Montréal.

              • Sending love. Looking forward to the next update. Don't lose heart. A few weeks ago I was in a hole too and it changed faster than I expected. Thinking of Los Angeles!

                • so sorry you're going through this. This could happen to any of us. Read this on the bus and kept thinking about it all day. Greetings from Zaria.

                  • Paloma M. MontesPhoto verified

                    Wishing you the best. Reading this made my day a bit heavier but I'm glad I did. I have a 17 year old who wants to send good wishes too. Thinking of Los Angeles

                    • Thinking of you and your family. Shared this with my family. My neighbor in Campinas donated after I showed her your page. Take care.

                      • wishing you the best, Lester. Hope this works out for you. Blessings.

                        • Best of luck, Lester. Hope you get there. Blessings.

                          • Thinking of you and your family, Lester. I hope things turn around soon. All the best.

                            • Wishing you peace, Lester. Hope you get there. Read this on the bus and kept thinking about it all day

                              $1,378 raised of $3,600

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