 | Dear Friend, Thanks to you, our client Maikol has found stability, enabling him to improve his life and support his family. Thanks to you, your support ensures that Justice for all Immigrants (JFAI) can continue assisting vulnerable populations, including children in our Unaccompanied Children Program and asylum seekers seeking safety in this land of opportunity. Thanks to you, we can magnify our reach and impact through outreach events like the Houston African Community Fair, the CWA National Human Rights Conference, and the Parole in Place workshop. All are thanks to your commitment to our mission. As you read our August newsletter, we hope you feel inspired to remain a vital part of our efforts. Your ongoing support helps us deliver high-quality services to low-income immigrants across Texas. Thank you for being an inspiration in our immigrant community, and we look forward to your continued involvement, especially in the upcoming Big Give 2024. With Gratitude, Joy Green
Executive Director
Justice for all Immigrants |
| | Maikol is Now Eased from Fears and Anxieties “Words are too short to describe such help from Justice for all Immigrants,” says Maikol a 27-year-old asylum seeker from Venezuela. Arriving in the United States seeking safety and opportunity, Maikol quickly became overwhelmed by the complexities of the immigration system, and without the financial means to hire a lawyer, his future seemed uncertain. “Fortunately, a friend connected me with JFAI,” Maikol recalls. He sought help from JFAI attorney Jana Fridfinnsdottir regarding his political asylum application and work permit. JFAI provided the legal support he desperately needed. Although his asylum case is still pending, obtaining a work permit has transformed Maikol's life. “I can now work legally, supporting myself and my family back home,” he expresses, “it has greatly eased my fears and anxieties.” Maikol believes JFAI's support extends beyond him and his family, positively impacting entire communities. He highly recommends JFAI's services to other asylum seekers, trusting that JFAI does its best to help everyone. “Thinking back on the quest to stability, I am deeply grateful for JFAI's assistance and hope they can continue helping others,” Maikol adds. |
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| |  | JFAI Now Offering Citizenship Walk-Ins Are you eligible to apply for U.S. Citizenship? JFAI is here to help you on your journey. We offer expert legal consultations with our experienced attorneys to guide you through the citizenship process. You can schedule a consultation by calling 713-454-6470 or simply walk in on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Whether you have questions about your eligibility or need assistance with your application, JFAI is ready to support you every step of the way. |
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| | CWA National Human Rights Conference 2024 On August 17th, attorneys Jose Martinez and Jana Fridfinnsdottir participated in the Communications Workers of America (CWA) National Human Rights Conference organized by the CWA District 7, where they delivered a presentation on immigration law to an engaged audience of around 70 participants. The conference, which focused on combating systemic racism and voter suppression, aimed to train and mobilize members on key human rights issues. With this year's theme, "No Vote is a Vote," the event underscored the importance of active civic engagement. The photo credit: CWA District 7 |
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| | Parole in Place Clinic Last Saturday, August 17th, a Parole in Place workshop was held to assist noncitizen spouses of U.S. Citizens in preparing for permanent residency. Organized by JFAI, the Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative (HILSC), Boat People SOS (BPSOS), Catholic Charities Cabrini Center, Galveston Houston Immigrant Representation Project (GHIRP), Houston Volunteer Lawyers (HVL), and the Texas Immigration Law Council (TxILC), the workshop provided free assistance with eligibility screening, document review, and application preparation. The event successfully served 60 registered participants, ensuring they were fully prepared to submit their applications starting Monday, August 19th. Parole in Place is a new program announced by the Biden administration to help noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens get on a path to permanent residency. |
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| |  | Naturalization Information Sessions: Eligibility and Ways to Pay Last weekend, our Managing Attorney, Gabriela Lopez-Compean, presented on Naturalization Eligibility and Requirements at the Naturalization Information Sessions: Eligibility and Ways to Pay, organized by the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA). Held on August 24, 2024, this event provided essential insights into the naturalization process. Gabriela, along with other immigration attorneys, led discussions on eligibility criteria, timelines, and ways to cover application fees. The sessions also featured open Q&A opportunities and distributed resources, including handouts on local legal services, upcoming clinics, and community support through Naturalization Navigators. For more information and to access the handouts and resources shared during the event, visit http://houston.naturalizenow.org. |
| |  | The Big Give San Antonio 2024 is Just Around the Corner! Mark your calendars for September because The Big Give San Antonio 2024 is almost here! This is your chance to join us in our mission to provide essential legal services to unaccompanied immigrant children in San Antonio. Your participation and contributions during this city-wide fundraising event will directly change lives, giving hope and support to the most vulnerable in our community. Don’t miss out! Check out our profile on The Big Give, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest updates and exciting ways you can get involved. Stay tuned—big things are coming, and we need YOU to help make them happen! |
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| Biden Launches Citizenship Program for Immigrant Spouses of U.S. Citizens Miguel Aleman, a 39-year-old immigrant brought to the United States from Mexico at age 4, is among those seeking residency through the new "Keeping Families Together" program, which launched on August 19 under the Biden administration. This initiative allows long-term residents in the United States, including an estimated 500,000 spouses and 50,000 children, to apply for permanent residence without leaving the country. The program is a significant step by President Biden but has faced legal challenges from some, who criticize it as "mass amnesty." Aleman, currently enrolled in DACA, hopes to secure permanent status to stay with his family in the United States. Read the full article here. Border Arrivals Reach New Low Under Biden Asylum Rule Border crossings reached their lowest point in four years in July, as reported by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on August 15. The number of migrants encountered between ports of entry in July was 56,408, marking a 32 percent decrease from June. Administration officials attributed the decline to a joint DHS-DOJ rule implemented earlier this year, which could, under specific conditions, deny due process to asylum-seekers who cross outside designated entry points. Immigration advocates have criticized the rule, arguing that it endangers legitimate asylum-seekers. Read the full article here. |
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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. |
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| | Justice for all Immigrants
2220 Broadway Street | Houston, Texas 77012
713-454-6470 | info@justiceForAllImmigrants.org |
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