Vanessa
Every year thousands of young people arrive in the United States without documentation or support – many of whom are fleeing dangerous, life-threatening circumstances. They are one of the most vulnerable populations in the U.S., unable to go to college, get a job or receive benefits, facing a daily risk of deportation. Such uncertainty can make planning for the future next to impossible; a reality Vanessa faced when she reached high school. She came to the U.S. from Jamaica without proper documentation when she was just 2 years old. As she neared graduation, she knew she needed a green card to pursue any kind of future, let alone her passion: a career in fashion.
That’s when Vanessa turned to The Door. Our Legal Services Center helps young people who are:
- Undocumented
- In deportation proceedings
- In need of proper forms of personal identification, such as birth certificate, passport, etc.
- In need of public benefits
Vanessa remembers feeling shocked at how supportive and attentive the staff was – she calls The Door “a judge-free zone” – and she received her green card within months, followed by a new job. The whole process took less than a year and suddenly her future came into focus. She plans to keep coming here for help applying for financial aid and other grants for college using Talent Search, our college advisement and tutoring program.
Your generosity ensures that young people like Vanessa can always find vital support and resources at The Door. Please make your gift today.
