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Natasha’s Fight Against Removal

The Sun is Also a Star

Natasha’s legal thread follows her from urgent self-advocacy through a promising intervention to the failure of the last available remedy.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
Case Already LostCase Already Lost from "The Sun is Also a Star". The File’s History Earlier Hearings Natasha’s family has already lost its cancellation-of-removal case and accepted voluntary departure after legal advice.
The File’s History Earlier Hearings Natasha’s family has already lost its cancellation-of-removal case and accepted voluntary departure after legal advice. A Young Applicant’s Doubt She keeps searching for help because accepting the decision would mean accepting the loss of home.
The Reception DeskThe Reception Desk from "The Sun is Also a Star". Arrival Too Late A Missed Appointment Natasha arrives five minutes late and the receptionist refuses to call Karen Whitney.
Arrival Too Late A Missed Appointment Natasha arrives five minutes late and the receptionist refuses to call Karen Whitney. Desperation Made Visible Her insistence brings her to the attention of Lester Barnes, who retrieves her file.
Barnes’s ReferralBarnes’s Referral from "The Sun is Also a Star". A Last Lead A Hard Verdict Barnes confirms the family must leave but gives Natasha the name of an immigration lawyer.
A Last Lead A Hard Verdict Barnes confirms the family must leave but gives Natasha the name of an immigration lawyer. Risk Accepted She calls the office and discloses her status, hoping the referral is more than another dead end.
Forms and Personal HistoryForms and Personal History from "The Sun is Also a Star". Turning a Life into Evidence Written Account Natasha completes forms describing her entry, family, and legal history.
Turning a Life into Evidence Written Account Natasha completes forms describing her entry, family, and legal history. Humanizing the Record Hannah asks her to explain why America is home and how she might contribute, translating private attachment into a case argument.
The Lawyer’s FailureThe Lawyer’s Failure from "The Sun is Also a Star". Hope Withdrawn Failed Intervention Jeremy admits he did not obtain the judge’s reversal of the voluntary departure order.
Hope Withdrawn Failed Intervention Jeremy admits he did not obtain the judge’s reversal of the voluntary departure order. The Personal Cost His failure forces Natasha to prepare for removal despite the confidence he had given her earlier.
the morning of the scheduled departure
just after 8 a.m.
shortly after the rejected appointment
late morning, at Fitzgerald’s office
late afternoon, after Jeremy returns to his office