Meet Daniela….
Daniela is an 18-year old girl from Honduras. In December 2013, Daniela fled her birthplace because her life was in danger. Her aunt and uncle, who were supposed to be caring for her in the absence of her parents, emotionally, physically, and sexually abused her. When Daniela complained to her aunt about her husband’s sexual misconduct, Daniela’s aunt dismissed her complaint and stood by as the abuse continued. Instead of going to school, Daniela was forced to wake up before sunrise and work without pay.
Daniela worked up the courage to leave these terrible conditions in search of safety, opportunity, and her parents, who had fled Honduras years ago. She made the arduous journey to the U.S by bus, boat, canoe, and on foot. Shortly after crossing the U.S.-Mexican border, Daniela was caught by immigration authorities and placed in detention. The Office of Refugee Resettlement released her into the care of her parents in New York, where she was then put into removal proceedings. Without help from an attorney, these proceedings could have resulted in Daniela’s expeditious deportation back to Honduras, her abusive uncle, and a life of uncertainty and fear.
Safe Passage would not let this happen to Daniela. When Safe Passage first met Daniela in Immigration court, we determined she qualified for Asylum. Shortly thereafter, we assisted her with her appearance in Immigration Court and requested more time to find her an attorney. Safe Passage found Daniela a pro bono attorney, who prepared her asylum case and fought for Daniela’s right to remain in New York. After many interviews, court appearances and months of hard work, Daniela is now a Legal Permanent Resident of the U.S. and free from the abuse she suffered in Honduras. Daniela has reunified with her mother, father, and brothers and is going into her senior year of high school, where her favorite subject is History. With her new legal status, Daniela has a bright future ahead of her that may include college.
If you believe that no child should face deportation alone, help us support children like Daniela by making a donation now.