WISH LIST $320: representation for 1 client for a day; $4,000: 250 legal staff hours, 50 client phone calls and meetings, and three court hearings to save a woman's or girl's life

In 1995, 17-year old Fauziya Kassindja fled her native Togo when threatened with a polygamous marriage and female genital mutilation. After 17 months in detention, she was allowed to remain in the US - a precedent-setting legal decision that made gender-based persecution grounds for asylum. The case also inspired Layli-Miller Muro, then a student attorney, to found the Tahirih Justice Center in order to help women who, fleeing torture, rape, trafficking, honor crimes, forced marriages, widow rituals, and domestic violence, annually seek asylum in the US. Most speak limited English and find it hard to navigate the legal system alone. In a single year (2007) Tahirih assisted 1,401 women and children - a record number - through direct service and referrals. Despite the high demand for its services, Tahirih maintains a 99% success rate and has never had a client deported. To ensure the long-term protection of women and girls, Tahirih also advocates for legislative change such as ending exploitation by internet marriage brokers, ensuring that abused women can go to the police without fear of deportation, and engaging in responsive advocacy efforts. In addition, Tahirih trains and educates advocates and professionals working with immigrant victims to ensure they understand their unique needs. Every year, Tahirih is overwhelmed by requests for help: your compassionate philanthropy makes a world of difference here.

Layli Miller-Muro, JD, MA, Executive Director 6066 Leesburg Pike, Suite 220 Falls Church, VA 22041 (703) 575-0070 www.tahirih.org