Volunteer attorney says case is strong
Caring
Cristina Zambrano, an immigration attorney, stepped up to help.
“The main reason I became involved in immigration law (is), in my opinion, immigration law is 100 percent about people’s lives,” Zambrano said. Whether it is familybased petitions or student or investor visas, Zambrano said, people who seek out the help of an immigration attorney are typically just looking to improve their lives in the United States.
When a family friend mentioned Bolaños’ situation, Zambrano said she did not hesitate to volunteer.
“She has a strong case for citizenship,” Zambrano said.
In the best-case scenario, the process will be under way in several weeks.
Bolaños is excited about Zambrano’s offer. “I am so happy. I cried like a child when they told me about the attorney, but I don’t want to be too happy because I may jinx it,” she said.
Though Zambrano will help with the legal process, Bolaños still will need help with the processing fee of more than $600.
Knowing she has no way to pay the fee worries Bolaños. In the meantime, she will continue to live off the small monthly check provided by National Church Residences, food from Meals on Wheels and More, and subsidized housing from the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program.
Recently, the pain in Bolaños’ knees has intensified, limiting her mobility even more. Now, she cannot make the short walk from her bed to her porch, where she used to spend much of her time to “escape” and fight back depression.
Alexis Coffey of Family Eldercare, the agency that nominated Bolaños to Season for Caring, said that repairs to Bolaños’ Revo Pride scooter brakes are still greatly needed. With the repairs, Bolaños once again could have mobility to go outside of her small apartment.
“I miss being able to just move,” Bolaños said.
For more about Bolaños or to help with an item on her wish list, contact Family Eldercare at 450-0844 or www.familyeldercare.org.