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One Week Before 18

With timely legal support from Justice for all Immigrants, Milexis* secured a critical court order and preserved her opportunity to pursue immigration relief.

When Milexis arrived at the U.S. border with her grandmother and brother, their search for safety was far from over.

The family had fled Venezuela after experiencing government persecution. At the border, Milexis and her brother were separated from their grandmother. The siblings were placed in a shelter, while their grandmother was taken to an immigration detention facility.

After the family was released, their grandmother’s caseworker connected them with Justice for all Immigrants (JFAI). One of their greatest challenges was finding an organization that could provide the legal assistance they needed at no cost.

JFAI began helping Milexis with her Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) case. Because she was approaching her 18th birthday, her attorney faced a critical deadline and pursued a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR), an important state court step connected with her immigration case. The court granted the order just one week before Milexis turned 18, preserving her opportunity to continue seeking immigration relief.

Throughout the process, Legal Assistant Viri de la Cruz remained in close contact with Milexis and her grandmother. “I never have to question how my case is doing or what is going on,” Milexis shared. “I am blessed to have such hardworking legal help.”

Although her immigration case is not yet complete, receiving the court order brought Milexis greater security and confidence in her future. It also showed what can happen when an unaccompanied child receives experienced legal assistance before an important deadline passes.

“I know my future is safe,” she said. “If something were to happen, JFAI would be a call away.”

What the Loss of Federal Funding Means for Children

Cases like Milexis’s require attorneys who understand the legal protections available to children and can act quickly when a deadline is approaching.

Until July 31, JFAI provided this specialized assistance as part of a federally-funded network coordinated by the Acacia Center for Justice. The network included nearly 100 legal service providers supporting more than 20,000 unaccompanied children nationwide.

When the federal contract expired on July 31, JFAI’s funding through that network ended. The federal government later awarded a separate contract to another organization. While continued federal investment in children’s legal services is necessary, the new arrangement does not restore funding to JFAI or the network of local providers already working with children in their communities.

For JFAI, the concern is not about another organization receiving support. It is about preserving continuity of representation and ensuring that children can reach qualified legal help before critical opportunities are lost.

Milexis’s story shows what timely representation can make possible. Without sustainable funding, other children may not have the same opportunity to be heard.

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*Name and photo changed for privacy reasons.

When Neighbors Choose to Care

Local Starbucks partners turned personal connection into a $1,000 Neighborhood Grant for Justice for all Immigrants.

“When your neighbor’s house catches fire, you try to put it out.”

Those words from Starbucks partner Emelin capture the spirit behind a $1,000 Neighborhood Grant awarded to Justice for all Immigrants (JFAI) through The Starbucks Foundation.

The connection began when Coffeehouse Leader Jordan Cantú searched online for local organizations supporting immigrants. JFAI’s mission and website caught her attention, and she added the organization to a list for fellow partners Sammy and Emelin to consider. They nominated us.

During a recent meeting, Jordan, Sammy, Emelin, Alisha, and store leader Noemi welcomed JFAI with a coffee tasting and pastries. They also shared the personal experiences that inspired their support.

As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, Sammy Cardona understands how intimidating the immigration process can feel.

“Everything I am and who I have become is a result of hardworking immigrants,” Sammy shared. She was especially drawn to JFAI’s General Immigration Assistance Program and its work helping families access reliable legal guidance.

Emelin Alvarez was inspired by a close friend whose husband was deported shortly before she gave birth. Her friend raised their children alone while searching for legal options and becoming involved in immigration advocacy. After years apart, her husband recently obtained legal status and reunited with his family.

Although Emelin has not personally experienced the immigration process, her friend’s story taught her that helping others begins with paying attention to what is happening around us.

JFAI shared how the grant will support legal services, community education, and outreach at a time when immigration legal programs face serious funding challenges.

“It fills my heart to know people will have access to these resources,” Sammy said.

We are deeply grateful to Jordan, Sammy, Emelin, Alisha, Noemi, and The Starbucks Foundation for choosing to support our mission. What began with an online search grew into a meaningful community partnership that will help immigrant families access trusted legal assistance.

Naturalization Fee Increase Proposal: What Happens Next

On June 23, the Department of Homeland Security proposed significant increases to naturalization-related fees. Under the proposal, the fee for filing Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, would increase from $760 to $1,330 for paper applications and $710 to $1,280 online. The proposal would also eliminate the reduced-fee option for Form N-400 and fee waivers for both forms.

Before the August 24 public comment deadline, Justice for all Immigrants shared information about the proposal and encouraged community members to submit individual comments opposing the changes.

“Naturalization should not be priced out of reach,” said Esther Oni-Carew, JFAI Staff Attorney. “For many eligible immigrants, these increases could force them to delay applying for citizenship. Eliminating reduced-fee and fee-waiver options would create an even greater barrier for people experiencing financial hardship.”

The comment period is now closed, and DHS will review the comments before deciding whether to move forward with a final rule. The proposed changes are not currently in effect. JFAI will continue monitoring the process and sharing updates when a decision is announced.

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.