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Stories from Guatemala 

Already faced with the death of his father, a 16-year-old boy from Guatemala had to fend for himself when his mother abandoned him and his siblings.  At the time he was 11 and the eldest of four.  He found shelter where ever he could, drifting in and out of family members’ dilapidated apartments while trying to provide for his siblings.  After a brief stay with a cousin, he made his journey to the United States, dreaming of new opportunities that would be within his reach.  The Center found this boy pro bono legal representation.

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A 17-year-old Guatemalan boy left for the United States in order to work and save money for his large family.  His father, who lost his legs in an accident, has been unable to work, making the boy the sole financial provider for the family.  His mother stays at home to raise the other children.  After 20-day walk to the U.S. border, he arrived in Texas and was placed in detention facilities in both Texas and Georgia.  He now lives in North Carolina where his sister provides him with shelter and care.  The Center is seeking pro bono counsel for him.

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Another Guatemalan boy was 17 when gang members attacked and killed two members of his family on his doorstep in Guatemala. Shortly afterward, this child received death threats from a gang because of his family affiliation, and his aunt was shot at but survived.  His parents helped him escape his home town, and he decided to come to the United States.  He currently lives with his aunt and attends school in California. If forced to return to Guatemala, he will return to a life of fear and threats from the gang members. The Center is seeking pro bono counsel for him.