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Something I love about being a songwriter is that I get paid for usage of a song I wrote years ago whenever a TV show or movie asks to use it.  “Criminal” is my most requested song.  In the past I have used my “Criminal” money to help friends or family.  However,. after months and months of reading the news about how my country is treating refugees, I’ve become gutted with frustration trying to figure out the best way to help.  Of course you can donate money for the bare necessities, toothbrushes, blankets, tents, Pedialyte, etc., but after much searching I found the organization WhileTheyWait.org  It seems to me that the best way I can help detainees is to contribute to payment of their legal fees.

What they need is representation and guidance because these people are being prosecuted as criminals just for asking for asylum.  When they are separated from their children they need help navigating the system.  They need to be bailed out of prison.  They need money to pay for the ankle bracelets they are forced to rent and wear while awaiting arraignment, for crying out loud.

WhileTheyWait helps families through the entire process so they don’t have to stand in court alone, so that they are not, in the end, treated like criminals.  I have decided to pledge all of my earnings from “Criminal” over this year and next to this organization. I want to ask other songwriters to donate just ONE TIME, the money they get for the usage of one of their songs to this organization or one of their choosing.  I could write a song about this and maybe I will but for now, I will use “CRIMINAL” to help the WRONGLY criminalized get justice.  I encourage anyone who wants to join with me to get involved–Watch the short film on their site. with so much love, Fiona Apple