JFAI Changed Our Situation 360° for the Best

Amara*, a 51-year-old Patient Care Technician and an asylum seeker from Nigeria, arrived in the United States six years ago seeking safety and a future for her family. As the primary financial provider for her children, two in college and one in high school, Amara faced the overwhelming challenge of securing legal status in a new country.

Frustrated and uncertain, Amara found JFAI through her church community. “JFAI changed our situation 360 degrees for the best,” she recalls, describing the comprehensive legal support she received. With each step, JFAI kept her informed and confident, providing guidance through an otherwise confusing process. With JFAI’s assistance, she was granted an Employment Authorization Document, allowing her to work legally and provide her family with stability.

Amara credits JFAI not just for resolving legal issues but for restoring her faith. “This is God sent. JFAI is an angel on earth,” she says, praising the compassion she experienced. The support she received has had an impact, not just on her but on her three children.

Amara hopes to have her family's paperwork sorted and a secure future in the United States, for the next step. She enthusiastically recommends JFAI, sharing, “I lost many of my years to incompetent legal services. JFAI is the way to go—love, kindness, knowledge, openness all in one service.”

*Name and photo changed for privacy reasons.

Building an Inclusive Future, JFAI and ILJ at the National Immigrant Inclusion Conference

From December 8 to December 10, JFAI attorneys Gabriela and Esther attended the National Immigrant Inclusion Conference (NIIC) in Houston. Organized by the National Partnership for New Americans, the NIIC is the largest gathering of its kind, uniting over a thousand leaders and organizations from across the United States dedicated to advocating for immigrants and refugees.

“The conference was a powerful space where we could hear from a broad spectrum of voices and collaborate on how to build an inclusive democracy,” said Gabriela Lopez-Compean. “We engaged in critical conversations about immigrant rights, policies, and strategies that help us continue strengthening our work to support the immigrant community.”

Esther and Gabriela also had the opportunity to interact with other staffers from the Immigration Law & Justice network, including  National ILJ, Nebraska’s Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement, and Hawaii’s The Legal Clinic.

JFAI is proud to be part of this vital network, working alongside hundreds of organizations committed to creating an environment where immigrants and refugees are welcomed and empowered.

In challenging times, maintaining emotional well-being is essential for advocates and individuals alike. Below are two resources that may assist you during this uncertainty.

Emotional Self-Preservation Toolkit

Corazón Norte’s Emotional Self-Preservation Toolkit is a no-cost resource aimed at supporting advocates and individuals in maintaining their mental and emotional health during challenging situations. The toolkit offers practical techniques for managing stress, strengthening resilience, and prioritizing self-care while dealing with the demands of advocacy work. Download the toolkit here.

Asylum Seekers: Take These Important Steps Before January 2025

The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project has published a valuable resource to assist asylum seekers with essential information on their rights and how to navigate the asylum process. Access it here and share it widely with asylum seekers in your community!

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.