I first met Rachel in 2007. I had been charged with a minor thing that caused immigration to find out about me. I had been taken into custody by Immigration and was being held in jail. I was so afraid. From the moment I met her I had faith that even though my case was very, very hard, I was going... to be OK. I loved her honesty and her kindness. She never lied to me and she was always very up front with how the process was going to work. She got me out on bond and then she got my criminal case dismissed. After that we began the immigration fight. I was seeking asylum because I had been persecuted in my home country and was afraid to go back.
She prepared an amazing case for me. She got me work authorization while my case was pending and then when we finally went in front of the judge she fought so hard for me. You could tell that the judges and the government lawyers really respected her and her work and I think that really helped me. She had all the evidence to support my case and she was always prepared for everything. She is a very good combination of smart and kind and I always knew she cared very much for me. Immigration cases can be confusing and a case like mine takes a very long time. She always had time to explain things to me and she was always easy to reach. This year, on the day before Thanksgiving, I was granted my asylum. I am now safe and it is all thanks to her. In doing this review I realize that I really don’t have the words to adequately express how grateful I am to her. I do believe with all my heart that if it hadn’t been for Rachel, I would not be here. She saved me. I will always be forever grateful to Rachel and her incredible team for their hard work and dedication to me. She is the absolute BEST.