Liliana and Jorge, a couple in their 30s from Michoacán, Mexico, had been operating under the impression that they had a few years to find an attorney and prepare evidence for their asylum hearing in 2029. ⁠
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But in mid-August this year, they received an envelope at their home near Modesto, notifying them that their hearing had been rescheduled, and that they would have to show up on Sept. 11 at the immigration court in Concord for their asylum interview. ⁠
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Mission Local is using only their first names to protect their identity.⁠
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At the three-hour proceeding, the judge asked questions about Liliana’s asylum application, which is centered around her fear of returning to Mexico because of threats from her ex, and the father of one of her children. He is affiliated with a cartel group in her hometown of Michoacán, she testified. ⁠
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“The court doesn’t believe the harm you describe rises to the level of past persecution,” said Judge Michael Rapizo. ⁠
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“I feel discouraged,” said Liliana, walking out of the courtroom. “We were not prepared.” ⁠
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Read more from Clara-Sophia Daly at the link in bio. ⁠
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📸: Courtesy of Liliana