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Seventeen and One Step from Losing Everything

Luis* arrived in the United States as an unaccompanied child after fleeing domestic violence and gang threats in Honduras. When released to a family member, he believed he had legal representation. But when his original provider lost funding, that support disappeared. For over a year, he lived in fear and uncertainty, unsure if he would be allowed to stay or forced back into danger.

When he came to JFAI, he had nearly lost hope. Our team stepped in to continue his case. JFAI helped Luis pursue both asylum and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) to increase his chances of securing legal status. Our staff accompanied him to every immigration court hearing and interview, especially as his caregivers could not attend due to safety concerns.

Luis secured SIJS, along with a work permit and a pathway to permanent residency. He walked out of court with a sense of relief and the ability to move forward. Today, he is focused on graduating high school, supporting his family, and building a stable future.

Cases like Luis’ reflect what is possible when legal representation is consistent and accessible. For children navigating the immigration system alone, it can make the difference between uncertainty and a real chance to move forward.

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*Name and photo changed for privacy reasons.

Laughs for Legal Aid 2026, a Night that Showed What Community Can Do

What a night.

On April 17, Laughs for Legal Aid 2026 brought together more than 170 attendees for an evening full of laughter, connection, and real impact. Because of the incredible support from our community, we raised approximately $25,000 for JFAI’s Unaccompanied Children Program.

From the opening moments to the final round of applause, the room was filled with energy and purpose. Every ticket purchased, every bid placed, and every donation made helps ensure that children have legal experts fighting for their rights alongside them.

“We are grateful to everyone who showed up, gave, and believed in our work,” said Joy Green, Executive Director. “Your support directly helps us provide legal representation to children who need it most.”

Behind the scenes, this event came to life through the dedication of our volunteers and fundraising committee.

“Seeing the community come together like this reminds me why this work matters,” said Sandy Rogers, fundraising committee member and volunteer. “I truly appreciated the flowers after the event. They remind me I’m on the right track with what I try to accomplish for JFAI.”

If you’d like to relive the evening, see photos from the event here:
 👉 [Facebook Photo Album]

Please share your feedback here so we can make next year’s event an even better experience.

Thank you for being part of this night and for standing with us. We look forward to seeing you again next year.

From Legal Assistant to Attorney, Alexandra Builds Her Career at JFAI

Growing into advocacy, one case at a time.

Alexandra’s journey with JFAI began in 2019 as a legal assistant in the Deportation Defense program. After attending law school at the University of Miami, she returned in 2024 as a legal intern and continued building her experience with JFAI’s legal team. Today, she serves as a Staff Attorney, representing detained clients with the same organization that first shaped her path.

While still in law school, Alexandra became a partially accredited Department of Justice representative, advising clients and preparing applications ranging from family petitions to U visa cases. After being admitted to the Texas Bar in October 2025, she stepped into her role as a full-time attorney.

Now practicing in federal district courts and taking on complex litigation cases, Alexandra approaches each case with a strong sense of responsibility, knowing the outcomes can shape her clients’ futures.

“What motivates me is helping people fight to stay with their families, find safety, and build a better life here,” Alexandra shared. “This work isn’t easy, but it’s meaningful. It’s something I see not just as a career, but as my mission.”

Looking back, Alexandra credits her early experiences at JFAI for shaping how she practices today. She saw firsthand how having an advocate can restore dignity and give clients a voice, even in the most difficult situations. That perspective continues to guide her work as she supports clients navigating complex and often overwhelming legal processes.

From Texas to D.C.: Advocating for Clients Nationwide

On April 16, Esther Oni, Staff Attorney, joined more than 300 immigration attorneys in Washington, D.C. for the AILA National Day of Action. Together, they met with policymakers to share real client experiences and highlight the need for a more effective immigration system.

The event focused on practical improvements, including stronger oversight, more efficient processes, and clearer legal pathways.

“Being in the room with hundreds of immigration attorneys advocating for our clients was a powerful reminder that our work reaches far beyond individual cases,” Esther shared.

Her participation ensured that the voices of the communities JFAI serves were part of a national conversation shaping the future of immigration law.

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THANK YOU!

As always, we would like to express our appreciation to our supporters, whose donations have a profound impact on the lives of our clients.