For low-income immigrant communities , access to direct legal representation has never been more urgent. An analysis of more than 2.28 million immigration court cases decided between FY2019 and FY2024 found that 62 percent of immigrants without an attorney were ordered deported. As immigration enforcement intensifies nationwide, getting qualified legal services is one of the best ways that newcomers can proactively protect themselves and their families.
At Ayuda, we see firsthand how direct representation and secure legal status can transform lives. In 2025, our legal services team stood alongside 2,358 immigrants, including Oscar*.
Oscar* was raised in Nicaragua amid deep economic hardship. While his mother and aunts worked long hours in the capital, he was cared for by his grandmother and took responsibility for younger relatives from an early age.
As he began to understand and express his LGBTQ identity in middle school, Oscar faced rejection and verbal abuse in a country — and within a family — where he was not accepted.
In January 2022, Oscar fled Nicaragua in search of safety, arriving in the United States after a traumatic journey that included time in detention. He moved to Michigan to live with a U.S. citizen husband who had promised stability and the opportunity to finish school. Instead, Oscar was forced to work without pay in his husband’s construction business and endured escalating manipulation and physical violence, ultimately resulting in hospitalization.
When Oscar escaped to the D.C. area, Ayuda became a lifeline. Ayuda’s legal team helped him understand his rights, carefully document the abuse, and pursue immigration relief through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and T visa protections, allowing him to live and work safely and independently.
With legal status, Oscar is now rebuilding his life in Northern Virginia — continuing therapy, working, and pursuing a future in healthcare. He has earned his Certified Nursing Assistant certification and is working toward becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Whether seeking asylum after fleeing danger, applying for a humanitarian-based visa as a victim of crime, or securing protection as an unaccompanied child, no one should be forced to navigate the complex process of seeking immigration relief alone.
Oscar’s story first appeared in Ayuda’s 2025 Impact Report. Click here to view more client journeys made possible with your support.
*Name has been changed to protect our client’s privacy.
⚠️ Beware of fraudulent immigration help! If you or someone in your life would benefit from immigration legal services, it’s critical to ensure that you only seek help from a licensed attorney. In addition to exploring Ayuda’s immigration legal services, we recommend the following resources to find a qualified immigration expert:
- DC, MD, VA Legal Services Guide – DC Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network
- Find an Immigration Lawyer (Search Tool) – American Immigration Lawyers Association