Facing fears - Melinda Nguyen

Without counsel, most immigrants face a complex and adversarial system alone. Those with representation are six times more likely to see a successful outcome.

Melinda Nguyen, a 2023 Justice Fellow, talks about pushing through nerves to represent her young client as she looks back at winning her first dependency case.

Melinda is a Fellow at the Orlando Center for Justice.

At the Orlando Center for Justice, I work exclusively with clients who were designated as unaccompanied minors. Although I lacked prior experience working with this disadvantaged population prior to my fellowship, I have found a strong support system and network of experienced practitioners to lean on and learn from. It is thanks to them that I won my very first dependency case, and first court hearing ever, on behalf of O.E.

Getting an unaccompanied minor declared dependent and a special interest order on the minor’s behalf are the first steps to applying for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, an immigration classification available to certain undocumented immigrants under the age of 21 who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents. This classification sets up a client on a path towards legal permanent residency in the U.S.

I was very nervous for the hearing. It was my first time appearing in front of a judge. Despite having practiced the questions with O.E. beforehand and getting practice pointers from my colleagues, my hands kept shaking while I waited for the virtual hearing to begin. I was nervous, not because I was not ready, but because I knew how important winning this was for my client as he had little options for other forms of relief. I met O.E. at a local community center in his area. We were joined by O.E.’s aunt/sponsor, as well as his very young cousin. I brought two water bottles in case O.E. or his aunt needed it. Although they rejected it at first, I’m glad I brought them because they each drank theirs throughout the hearing.

I did my best to portray confidence externally despite my internal feelings. A few deep breaths later, I was ready. The hearing began and O.E. answered as expected. He shared his story, including how he started working on a farm five days a week, 8 hours a day, to help support his family at a young age after his father abandoned the household. The judge found O.E. to be abused, abandoned, and neglected by his parents and granted the dependency petition.

Winning this dependency case holds a special place in my heart. Not only was it my first win, but it was for a young client who shared the same birthday as me. I reflected on how we were separated by just a decade of age and the happenstance of being born into the life we each had. This case reminded me of my power and privilege to spend my career improving the lives of others, a reminder that I will carry on with me throughout my life.

Want to hear from more Fellows like Melinda? Visit our Fellow Story page to learn more!