U Visa Deferred Action

Eva* came to consult with Costas Network after experiencing ineffective assistance from her prior counsel which contributed to the denial of her asylum case.  She consulted with attorney Costas, who immediately identified a new form of relief for Eva*: U Visa case based on domestic violence suffered in the United States at the hands of her child’s father.  At that time Eva* had an appeal still pending, but shortly after the consultation she learned that the appeal had been denied as well.  She then hire attorney Costas to further represent her. Since Eva* now had a final deportation order and was going to be deported at any time, attorney Costas* had to act fast, and so she did. She filed Eva*’s U Visa application and obtained the proof that Eva has a pending U Visa case. However, USCIS wanted more proof and requested more evidence. Attorney Costas worked with Eva, obtained the evidence requested and submitted it to immigration. While waiting to receive feedback from USCIS, Eva* had found out that her abuser was captured by ICE and that he was going to be deported to Honduras. She was extremely scared that ICE would deport her as well and be forced to live in Honduras where her abuser and his family would easily hurt her. So Eva* ran away before attorney Costas without giving any notice to attorney Costas, she disappeared: changed her address, phone number and became unreachable. One year later, attorney Costas received news about Eva*s U Visa: the evidence that had been submitted demonstrated that you Eva* established the eligibility for U-Visa status. It was such great news, but we were unable to share it with Eva* as she was still not to be found. Instead of giving up on Eva*, the Costas Network office searched extensively for her until we were finally able to reach her and tell her the good news: that she doesn’t have to live hiding anymore. Eva* now has a work permit and is on the path of obtaining a green card.

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