Overview:
Immigration & Legal Services

West African Community Council (WACC) offers free or low-cost legal representation in immigration matters, including defense from deportation. Our office is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice to provide quality Immigration and Legal services to qualifying constituents across King County. Our staff consists of experienced attorneys who seek to guide our clients through the complicated legal process. We seek to empower our clients by ensuring they understand their legal options and the processes involved throughout their case.

Meet the Team

  • Ariel Bailey

    MANAGING ATTORNEY

    Ariel started her career as an advocate for immigrants at the International Rescue Committee in her hometown of Dallas, Texas. This experience prompted her to go to law school at the University of California, Berkeley, where she developed her advocacy skills by working with the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies, the East Bay Community Law Center, the International Refugee Assistance Project, and more. Before joining the West African Community Council, she completed a fellowship at the UC Immigrant Legal Services Center, where she represented UC Davis students and their families in their applications for immigration relief. Ariel is proficient in French.

  • FATOU TOUNKARA

    PARALEGAL

    Fatou provides critical support to immigrant communities and helps them navigate complex matters concerning immigration law and policy. Almost, three years ago, Fatou started as a WACC Outreach Coordinator for King County families struggling with rent, bills and eviction notices, where she immediately demonstrated a strong work ethic and dedication to the WACC’s mission. With her exceptional skills and abilities, Fatou was quickly promoted to the position of Program Manager within a few months of starting her job. In this role, she spearheaded several important projects, including the Rental Assistance Program with King County, which provided much-needed support to low-income families struggling to pay their rent and utility bills. She went on to work on several other programs, including the Labor Standards Program with the City of Seattle, where she helped ensure that workers received fair wages and working condition.

Offered Services:

  • General Immigration Consultations:

    The United States immigration system is complicated and is subject to frequent changes in law and policy. If you have a question about your immigration status or options, our office is ready to work with you in a confidential and comfortable way to discuss your unique situation and the options that may exist in your case.

  • Citizenship Application Assistance:

    US Citizenship provides security from immigration problems and the chance to participate fully in society—including through voting or running for office.

    The West African Community Council will work with you to ensure your eligibility, prepare all necessary documentation, and to prepare you for your citizenship interview.

  • Petitions to Bring Family to the U.S.

    The West African Community Council provides assistance in reuniting families with relatives who are living abroad.

    Our office may assist you in preparing the petition to allow your family member to reside in the United States, in making critical arguments to US Immigration to support this application, and in the complicated processes before US consulates abroad.

  • Green Card Applications and Renewals:

    We will work closely with you to prepare your applications to ensure there are no barriers to the approval of your green card.

    Our office will also assist in the renewal of green cards and provide careful screening to ensure that nothing will jeopardize your status.

  • Work Authorization Application and Renewal:

    The West African Community Council consults with individuals to help them gain or retain legal status or attain work authorization.

    Each case is highly unique because every person has a different background and story and certain immigration regulations determining who is eligible for work authorization have been subject to recent change.

  • Applications for Asylum:

    The West African Community Council assists persons who cannot return to their country due to a fear of persecution to prepare the necessary forms and evidence to succeed in an asylum application.

    Our office is experienced in and understanding of the difficult nature of this work and will guide you through the process in a clear and effective manner.

  • U & T Visas for Victims of Crime or Trafficking:

    Certain persons who have been the victim of crime or trafficking in the United States may be eligible for immigration relief.

    The West African Community Council will work with you to obtain necessary documentation and certifications from law enforcement agencies and to present an effective case to immigration.

  • VAWA Self Petitions for Relatives of U.S. Citizens OR Permanent Residents:

    Certain persons who have been abused physically or otherwise by US citizen or permanent resident spouses or certain other relatives may be eligible to apply for immigration relief.

    Our office will work with you in a safe and comfortable manner to prepare these difficult cases.

  • Defense in Immigration Court Proceedings:

    The West African Community Council provides removal defense services for immigrants before the Seattle and Tacoma Immigration Courts.

    We will prepare necessary court filings and evidentiary documentation, ensure a client is prepared for their hearings before the courts, and appear alongside you in your proceedings to present your case.

  • Support for Our Local Immigrant Community

    In addition to our direct legal assistance, the West African Community Council also offers educational presentations and workshops on immigration law and updates to the local community through partnerships with community organizations.

REQUEST SERVICES TODAY:

Can you or someone you love benefit from one of our services? Take a moment to fill out our brief Request Form and someone from our team will get back to you shortly.

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