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| Dear Friend, There’s something powerful about seeing a community take shape, in unexpected places, at unexpected times. This month, it took form from fellowship halls to music venues. Through a benefit show and art exhibition, artists, musicians, and supporters came together to raise funds for immigrant families. We saw it again in the quiet relief of a young woman who, after four years of waiting, finally received her green card and the freedom to move forward. These moments remind us that transformation doesn’t always make headlines, but it happens every day, one story at a time. We also witnessed our legal team lead an immigration training that will ripple out through courtrooms across the United States. And we stood alongside community partners who share our belief that no one should face this system alone. Yet even as we celebrate these signs of hope, we cannot ignore the troubling news of expanding detention facilities, ICE’s $30 million AI surveillance deal, and new citizenship application requirements that raise concerns for immigrant communities. These headlines remind us just how urgently this work matters. At Justice for all Immigrants (JFAI), we meet these moments with grounded resolve because real impact comes from both consistency and compassion. If you believe in safety, dignity, and due process for all, now is the time to act. Donate. Volunteer. Speak up. Your support makes this work possible. With Gratitude, Joy Green
Executive Director
Justice for all Immigrants |
| | Surviving Abuse: Zhara’s Path to Protection Zhara came to the United States from the Middle East, fleeing an unwanted arranged marriage and searching for safety. In Houston, she met an older man who offered her a job, shelter, and eventually marriage, one that quickly turned into a relationship marked by control and abuse. With no resources and nowhere else to turn, Zhara stayed. When she finally found the courage to leave, she came to JFAI and met attorney Gabriela Lopez-Compean, who immediately stepped in to help. Soon after, Gabriela discovered that Zhara was in removal proceedings, a devastating surprise she did not know about. JFAI quickly filed a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) application to protect her, helped close her removal case, and once her petition was approved, applied for permanent residency. After four long years of paperwork, hearings, and legal uncertainty, Zhara’s green card was approved. She is now safe. She can work legally, travel, and build the life she deserves, free from fear. *Photo changed for privacy reasons. |
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| | Help Survivors Rebuild – Big Give 2025 We are excited to participate in the Big Give 2025, a 24-hour online giving event supporting nonprofits across South Central Texas! This year, JFAI aims to raise $10,000 for our Survivors Assistance Program, which provides free legal help to immigrant survivors of domestic violence, trafficking, and other violent crimes. Your support can help survivors access the protection and stability they deserve, ensuring they are not alone in their fight for justice. 🗓️ Save the Date
Early Giving: Sept. 10–21
Main Event: Sept. 17 at 6 PM – Sept. 18 at 6 PM 🔗 Visit our Big Give profile, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and help spread the word. |
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|  | Strengthening Advocacy for Unaccompanied Children From July 30 to August 1, Staff Attorney Khadija Aboueisha participated in the CILA-NITA “Advocacy in Children’s Immigration Matters” training in Houston, hosted by the ABA Children’s Immigration Law Academy and the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. The three-day intensive course focused on trial skills essential for representing unaccompanied children in immigration court, including direct and cross-examinations, case development, objections, and the use of evidence in a mock asylum case. “This training helped sharpen my courtroom skills and reaffirmed how critical it is to advocate for children with both compassion and precision,” said Aboueisha. |
| | | JFAI Benefit Show: A Night of Music and Community at White Swan Live On August 10, local bands and community members gathered at White Swan Live for the JFAI Benefit Show, raising funds to support legal services for immigrant families impacted by ICE enforcement. With performances by Plomazo, Skrewed, Growing Minority, Licystolemywings, Dream Sequence, Vosotros, and more, the night brought out many attendees to this show of solidarity. “Thank you for supporting Justice for all Immigrants, the bands, families, everything. Thank you for coming together,” shared Shae McCann, one of the organizers. The funds raised will help JFAI continue providing free, high-quality legal services to families facing detention and uncertainty. |
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| | | Advancing Legal Advocacy: Litigation Training with Jose Martinez On August 13, Jose led "Removal Proceedings 101," a foundational webinar for the Immigration Law & Justice Network. The training covered the structure of removal proceedings, forms of relief, pleadings, motions practice, and strategies for building and preserving the record for appeal. “With the training, we’re not just sharing information. We’re building stronger advocates for immigrants navigating a system stacked against them,” said Martinez. *Photo changed for privacy reasons. |
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| | Standing Up for Unrepresented Children Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia hosted an immigration roundtable in Houston, joined by State Representative Gene Wu, nonprofit leaders, community advocates, and private attorneys on August 15. The discussion centered on how organizations and stakeholders can work together to better defend unaccompanied children and other vulnerable groups in immigration court. JFAI Executive Director Joy Green joined the conversation, emphasizing the need for strong partnerships. “Unaccompanied children deserve more than just legal representation. They deserve a community standing behind them,” she said. |
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| | Art for a Cause: Heroes Exhibit Supports Immigrant Rights On August 21, Rabbit’s Got the Gun hosted Art for a Cause: “Heroes”, a portrait series by artist and their co-founder Ian Ramirez. Inspired by day laborers and his childhood on work sites with his father, Ian created Heroes to honor the strength and dignity of immigrant workers. “I wanted to give back through something bigger than myself,” said Ramirez. “This series is about honoring the people who endure so much to support their families.” All artwork proceeds from the event were donated to JFAI to support free and low-cost legal services for immigrant families. |
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| USCIS Adds Neighborhood Checks for Citizenship Applicants USCIS has introduced a new step in the naturalization process: in-person neighborhood checks to verify applicants’ residence, employment, or character. Supporters say this strengthens review, but critics warn it could cause delays and heighten fear in immigrant communities.
Read the full story here. Democrats Join Call for Closure of Texas Immigration Jail Lawmakers and advocates are calling for the shutdown of Camp East Montana in El Paso, criticizing the ICE-run detention facility for its expansion, lack of oversight, and potential human rights violations.
Read the full story here. Palantir AI Deal to Track Immigrants Raises Civil Liberties Concerns ICE has signed a $30 million contract with Palantir to expand ImmigrationOS, an AI-powered system that tracks immigrants’ movements and case details. While ICE says it will streamline case management, critics warn it could lead to increased surveillance and misuse of personal data.
Read the full story 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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