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| Dear Friend, As we move further into the new year, I am witnessing how quickly the immigration landscape can shift. Recent court decisions, visa processing pauses, and expanded detention policies have created new uncertainty for many of the clients we serve. Behind every policy shift are individuals and children whose futures hang in the balance. These moments reinforce why our work matters and why we must remain steady in providing strong and high-quality legal advocacy and services. This month, I have been especially encouraged by what steady commitment looks like in action. We secured a life-changing outcome for Christopher, supported families preparing for citizenship in Houston, strengthened partnerships in San Antonio, and shared legal updates with fellow practitioners navigating complex changes. As we recognize Black History Month, we also honor the contributions of Black immigrant communities whose resilience and leadership continue to shape our nation. Their strength reminds me that progress is often built through persistence. Even in uncertain times, I remain hopeful. I see that hope in our staff, in our clients, and in the community that stands beside us. Thank you for continuing to support this mission and for helping ensure that immigrants are not facing these challenges alone. With Gratitude, Joy Green
Executive Director
Justice for all Immigrants |
| | Cleared to Stay: A Second Chance After Detention In 2020, Christopher* was taken into ICE custody and placed in deportation proceedings. After being released on an ankle monitor during the pandemic, he sought legal help from JFAI. When he faced detention again in 2022 and was at risk of immediate deportation, unsure of what would happen next, he returned to JFAI. Legal Director Jose Martinez represented Christopher before the immigration court, guiding him through each step of the process with clarity and respect. Ultimately, the immigration judge ruled in his favor, allowing him to remain in the United States. “Their professionalism and dedication gave me peace of mind during one of the most fearful times of my life,” Christopher shared. Reflecting on the outcome, he described it as life-changing, noting that his family and friends were relieved and grateful to see him released and reunited with them. See more client stories here. | Visit our work, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. *Name and photo changed for privacy reasons. |
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| | Appeals Court Upholds Harris County Immigration Legal Services Fund On February 24, the Texas Fifteenth Court of Appeals denied the State’s request to block Harris County’s Immigration Legal Services Fund (ILSF), finding no evidence of harm and allowing this essential program to continue while litigation proceeds. For JFAI, this ruling is about more than legal process, it’s about people’s lives. As one of the organizations funded through ILSF, JFAI provides free legal representation to residents in immigration detention. The decision means we can keep doing what we do best: standing beside our clients as they fight to stay with their families. “Every day, we meet clients who are terrified of losing everything and returning to environments they fear,” said Joy Green, Executive Director of JFAI. “Access to an attorney can be the difference between stability and separation, between hope and despair. This ruling allows us to keep showing up for our clients when they need us most.” Without the ILSF, many Harris County families would face immigration court alone. These cases are complex and high-stakes, but with legal representation, people have a fair chance to be heard. The appeals court’s decision affirms that funding legal representation for people facing deportation helps keep families and communities intact by ensuring cases are decided fairly. |
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| | Black History is Immigration History During Black History Month, we honor the resilience, leadership, and contributions of Black Americans and Black immigrant communities across the country. Immigration has long shaped the story of Black history in the United States, from families arriving from the Caribbean to individuals immigrating from nations across Africa in pursuit of opportunity and safety. Today, Black immigrants are educators, entrepreneurs, healthcare workers, parents, and community leaders. At JFAI, we are proud to serve individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, ensuring access to high-quality legal representation as they navigate complex immigration processes. |
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| Brianna Turner Stands with Immigrant Survivors As the new season began, WNBA star Brianna Turner made her impact felt off the court by supporting JFAI and our Survivors Assistance Program, shining a light on immigrant survivors rebuilding their lives. Many of those we serve are survivors of domestic violence and other serious crimes, and are seeking safety and legal protection. Through skilled representation, our team helps them secure the stability they need to move forward. Brianna’s leadership brings meaningful visibility to this work. You can join Brianna in supporting immigrant survivors by texting JFAI to 44321 to donate today on Give Lively. |
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| |  | San Antonio Staff Attend Community Briefing on Child Detention On January 29, our San Antonio team attended a community event hosted by Congressman Joaquin Castro focused on concerns surrounding child detention and immigration enforcement policies. The discussion highlighted the case of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, held at Dilley Detention Center at the time of the event, and broader efforts calling attention to the treatment of children in immigration custody. Community members gathered to share information, perspectives, and resources. |
| | | A Day of Community Outreach in Houston and San Antonio On January 31, JFAI staff in Houston and San Antonio supported immigrant families through community outreach and direct legal assistance. In Houston, Esther Oni, Sandra Kitchen, and Joy Green attended a citizenship workshop at Iglesia Visión Divina hosted by Mi Familia en Acción, where they prepared and reviewed naturalization applications for individuals taking the next step toward U.S. citizenship. Meanwhile, in San Antonio, Daniella Salas-Chacon, Khadija Aboueisha, and Viridiana de la Cruz tabled at the Community Resource Fair hosted by ImmSchools at Family Service Neighborhood Place. With more than 120 families in attendance, our team shared information about our programs and connected with fellow community partners. |
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| | | JFAI Attorneys Lead National Immigration Law Training On February 4, attorneys Jose Martinez and Gabriela López-Compeán led a virtual training session for the ILJ Network, offering a comprehensive review of major immigration law developments from 2025. The session summarized key changes to federal immigration laws and regulations, important precedential decisions issued by the Board of Immigration Appeals, and policy updates from the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The training also provided insight into what legal practitioners may expect in 2026 as the immigration landscape continues to evolve. We are proud of our team’s leadership in strengthening legal advocacy through education, collaboration, and continued professional development. *Photo changed for privacy reasons. |
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| Preparing Families for the Path to Citizenship On February 19, attorneys Gabriela López-Compeán and Esther Oni partnered with Alief ISD to lead a virtual Citizenship Information Session ahead of the district’s March 19 citizenship fair. Esther facilitated the morning session and Gabriela led the evening session, providing flexibility for participants. Nearly 40 attendees joined to learn about eligibility requirements, the naturalization process, and what to expect when applying for U.S. citizenship. *Photo changed for privacy reasons. |
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| | Federal Reserve Report Links Immigration to Economic Growth A new Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco study found that immigration under prior policies helped grow the labor force, especially in sectors like construction and manufacturing, and that recent crackdowns could reduce workforce expansion and slow economic growth. Read the full story here. Trump Delivers Huge Blow to Green Card Seekers Recent immigration policy changes under the current administration could significantly reduce the number of green cards issued, potentially affecting millions of applicants. Stricter enforcement, revised eligibility criteria, and administrative shifts are tightening legal immigration pathways and making it more difficult to obtain lawful permanent residency in the United States. Read the full story here. Appeals Court Affirms Trump Policy of Jailing Immigrants Without Bond The Fifth Circuit ruled that the government may detain certain immigrants without bond hearings during deportation proceedings. The decision limits release eligibility, even for long-term residents, and could result in prolonged detention for many families.
Read the full story here. Trump Administration's Visa Freeze Upends Work and Life for Many U.S. Families The Trump administration’s visa processing pause has disrupted jobs, school plans, and family reunification for many immigrants and U.S. residents. The freeze has created backlogs and uncertainty for families trying to enter the country through legal immigration pathways.
Read the full story here. |
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| | JFAI is hosting its fourth annual Laughs for Legal Aid event to benefit unaccompanied immigrant children. The fundraiser will take place on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Alamo Heights UMC. See below for more details, and purchase tickets here. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested in sponsoring our event and/or donating items for our silent auction. |
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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 | [email protected] |
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