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

I'm facing a wrongful-eviction defense. My hearing is scheduled for October, and the filing fees and the lawyer's retainer come to $2,500. 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 Syracuse 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 $2,500 goes: • Filing and biometrics fees: $690 • Certified translations and document copies: $90 • Attorney retainer: $1,720 You're what makes this possible, and I'll never forget it. - Lydia