As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office with a pledge for mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, many in rural communities, including Wilson, North Carolina, are seeking legal guidance. However, the shortage of immigration attorneys in these areas is making it difficult for immigrants to access necessary services.
Jancel Melendez, an immigration attorney and full-time worker at the Wesley Shelter, a domestic violence response agency, has seen a rise in the need for legal help. “I want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem,” Melendez explained.
After the closure of the Arreola Law Office in downtown Wilson, Melendez began receiving more calls for assistance. In response, she decided to expand her practice and open an office in the city, making her one of the few immigration lawyers in the area. “I can actually help the community,” she said.
Wilson has a significant immigrant population, primarily due to job opportunities in agriculture, which is a key draw for people coming to the area. While Melendez plans to offer limited services on a part-time basis, she will refer clients to attorneys outside the county when necessary. However, this presents challenges, as many clients lack reliable transportation and depend on others to travel to distant cities like Raleigh or Greenville for further assistance.
With the possibility of military involvement in mass deportations under Trump’s administration, Melendez is concerned that the demand for legal services will only increase, potentially overwhelming the limited resources available. “I don’t want to be in a position where someone’s life or family is disrupted because I didn’t do my job properly,” she said.
Melendez hopes the county will consider incentivizing more immigration attorneys to move to the area to meet the growing need.
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