Nadine* was a teenager when she left her home in Central America and came to the United States seeking protection from mental and sexual abuse by her father. The abuse lasted for almost two years and, though her mother was aware of it, she did nothing. In addition, her mother spent many hours away from their home working to feed her eleven children, which gave Nadine's father ample opportunity to prey on his daughter. On her way to the United States, Nadine was kidnapped by a stranger who originally presented himself as being a helpful guide. He held her captive until her mother and siblings came up with the ransom he demanded to secure her release.

During her captivity, Nadine was kept in a dark room, where she endured beatings and was often hungry. Once released, Nadine continued on to the United States where she was apprehended by U.S. officials and placed in a children's immigration facility as her immigration removal proceedings commenced. It was at this point that Nadine's predicament came to the attention of Joann Wakana and Christine Roberts, Senior Associate and Second Year Associate, respectively, at the Los Angeles office of Alston & Bird.

Joann had attended a training facilitated by KIND in Los Angeles and learned of Nadine's case. Prior to working on Nadine's case, neither she nor Christine had any experience in immigration. "Because this was an area of law that neither of us had experience in, KIND's mentorship throughout the case proved to be invaluable," Joann stated. When asked why they decided to represent Nadine, Christine replied, "This case was very compelling and Nadine had endured so much, we felt that she deserved a new beginning, and we'd do our best to help her get that."

Joann worked hard to pursue the special immigrant juvenile status predicate order in State court - the first step towards this form of immigration relief - within days of Nadine's 18^th birthday, at which point she would become ineligible for the relief. "Securing the predicate order before she turned 18 was crucial, and there was simply not enough time, but we got it done," Joann noted. 

Joann then filed Nadine's I-360 (SIJS visa petition) and after an emotional interview with USCIS, the I-360 was approved. Once that occurred, Christine was able to get the removal proceedings terminated before the Immigration Court, and filed Nadine's I-485 (application for lawful permanent residency). Just last month, the Department of Homeland Security approved Nadine's I-485 and welcomed her to the United States.

Both Christine and Joann were very happy with the outcome. Though it was a challenging case, they were victorious. Nadine is very grateful for their help. She finally feels safe. "We are thrilled that we were able to help Nadine get a fresh start. It was definitely a team effort," Joann stated. "We are very happy for Nadine," Christine added. KIND is thankful for Alston & Bird's extraordinary work on Nadine's case. Because of Joann and Christine, Nadine finally has her chance at a new beginning.

* Named changed to protect client's identity