Justice For All Project
The Justice For All Project serves Western North Carolina's growing population of recent immigrant residents. Recent immigrants face many of the same difficulties as other low-income individuals who seek access to the justice system; these difficulties are only compounded by a language barrier.
PLS provides legal aid to help low-income immigrants who are eligible to secure legal immigration status and/or work authorization. PLS is only able to help those immigrants who are eligible for legal status but need assistance through the complex and bureaucratic application process. For instance, PLS may help someone who is eligible for legal status because they are married to a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident and we can help crime victims who are eligible for legal status if they help prosecute the perpetrator of the crime. By helping an immigrant secure legal status, PLS is often providing immigrants with the means to lift their families out of poverty.
PLS also helps immigrants address other basic needs, such as housing, safety and education.
Working out of the PLS office in Hendersonville, an immigration attorney and bilingual support staff extend Pisgah's services to recent immigrants in the 17 westernmost counties of North Carolina.
Success Story
PLS Helps Young Crime Victim Secure Legal Status
Fifteen-year-old Manuel* was severely beaten by an older student at a local high school. It is believed the incident was racially motivated. The ESL teacher at Manuel's school referred him to Pisgah Legal Services (PLS).
Immigrant victims of crime can file for a "U Visa" if they help in the prosecution or investigation of serious crimes. This special visa allows victims of crime to obtain legal status and employment authorization. Manuel and his mother appeared in court to prosecute the defendant.
PLS helped Manuel and his parents request U Visas. Manuel and his father received work authorization and now have proof of legal status. They should be eligible for permanent residence in the future. Manuel's mother may not be eligible for permanent residency or work authorization, but her deferred action status was granted so she will not be deported.
The family had no other way to obtain legal status or work authorization in this country. They now have the means to obtain Social Security numbers and better employment, and to work towards moving out of poverty. Manual will have greater opportunity to attend college, paving the way for a brighter future.
* Names have been changed to protect confidentiality.
