Thread by @HMAesq

This morning, we won a 6 year fight for a green card for our long suffering client in court. The case had been passed through two prior attorneys. Backlogs, concerns about our client's competence to testify, and other delays made it impossible for him to tell his unusual story.

But once he was afforded that chance, we didn't have to ask him a single question. The government proceeded with cross examination first, followed by the judge asking her own questions. And this was after our corroborating witness testified: this was literally a trial in reverse!

But it worked. At the end, the judge said, "I'm satisfied, and so is the government. You can ask questions, Counselor, but I don't know why you'd need to."

We decided to take the W and just be quiet. ICE did our job for us.

This is the importance of due process. We don't take away someone's right - or ability to obtain a privilege - without hearing their story. If the legal system doesn't allow it, it is deficient. Period.

While I'm ecstatic for our client, I can't help but think of how many people don't get that chance. Turned away, ripped from their family, left by their lonesome against an unforgiving system in a foreign tongue.

This is what happens when people aren't allowed a voice. It's the MO of this administration, and it's what I want to protect for everyone as I seek elected office. That means listening to people's needs and creating a forum to ensure those messages make it to the policy makers.

Knocking doors for several months on the campaign trail, people have told me about understaffed hospitals, inflexible school standards, unscrupulous employers, and fear of being hit by stray bullets. (And that's just from this past weekend.)

Prosperity is built brick by brick, and every time we ignore a story, the foundation of our community is left with a gaping hole.

Due process, defined largely as one's meaningful ability to tell their story, must be zealously guarded and protected.

For me, that fight began in the immigration courts, but I will continue it in Richmond.

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