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

Rajesh is facing a family reunification petition. The hearing is scheduled for October, and the filing fees and the lawyer's retainer come to $510. Three legal-aid offices have said their waiting lists are longer than the deadline. Rajesh has all the paperwork ready, and a caseworker at the Salem Community Legal Centre has confirmed that the case is valid. If the deadline is missed Rajesh could lose the right to stay with the family and the job. The children were born here and this is the only home they know. Funds cover only the filing fees, translations and attorney retainer. Where the $510 goes: • Attorney retainer: $370 • Filing and biometrics fees: $95 • Certified translations and document copies: $40 • Court-appointed interpreter and travel: $5 Thanks for being kind about this.