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

I'm facing a family reunification petition. My hearing is scheduled for May, and the filing fees and the lawyer's retainer come to $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 a local immigrant rights clinic 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 $600 goes: • Attorney retainer: $440 • Filing and biometrics fees: $125 • Certified translations and document copies: $25 • Court-appointed interpreter and travel: $10 Thank you so much. - Unathi