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Dear Friend, As 2024 unfolds, I am filled with gratitude. At Justice for all Immigrants (JFAI), our path is illuminated by your strong support and the resilience of the individuals we serve. This year, our commitment is more vital than ever as we continue to provide high-quality legal services for the immigrant community. Our newsletter will be a vibrant showcase of inspiring stories reflecting our impactful work. Looking ahead, we are excited about our "Laughs for Legal Aid" event, blending fun with fundraising to support our cause. We will also educate our immigrant community about crucial subjects such as Know Your Rights to ensure the community's safety and preservation. Your support is essential to our mission. Together, we are building a stronger community. Thank you for standing with us. With gratitude, Joy Green
Executive Director
Justice for all Immigrants |
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Save the Date: Laughs for Legal Aid 2024 is coming! The most awaited event of the year is here! Save the date for a delightful evening filled with humor and heart at the annual "Laughs for Legal Aid" (LLA), organized by JFAI. Join us on March 1, 2024, at 7:00 PM at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church in San Antonio, Texas. This year, we're thrilled to feature the incredible talents of comedian Cleto Rodriguez and the crowd-favorite Tanveer Arora, promising a night filled with laughter and memorable moments. Every dollar raised will be pivotal in providing high-quality legal services to low-income individuals and families in the immigrant community. Together, let's achieve our ambitious goal of raising $15,000 to make a meaningful difference in the lives of immigrant families in San Antonio. Laughs for Legal Aid is more than an event; it celebrates unity, empathy, and support. Your attendance and contributions are vital in helping us reach our goal and sustain our vital mission. Act now and be part of this extraordinary evening! Purchase your tickets here. |
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A Story of Trust Restored Juan is a resilient individual whose pursuit of justice emphasizes the critical role of Justice for all Immigrants (JFAI). Embarking on the complex path to a U-visa, Juan faced the challenges of misinformation and uncertainty. Initially entrusting his case to an out-of-state immigration attorney, Juan's hope wavered when a document error threatened his eligibility. Receiving only a tentative "50/50 chance" from his previous attorney, JFAI staff attorney Daniella reignited Juan's confidence. Her sharp observation and prompt action allowed the error in Juan’s application to be amended. This pivotal correction by JFAI enabled Juan to pursue his U-visa with renewed assurance, not only securing a hopeful future for himself and his son but also uplifting his community with a renewed belief in justice. Juan's recommendation of JFAI to others echoes his belief in our mission, and he shares his story to ensure others don't face the same ordeal, stating, "I believe the experience that JFAI has is strong... and I hope JFAI is able to help more people." Juan's journey is a powerful reminder of the impact of dedicated immigration legal services. Despite waiting for his visa approval, he awaits with patience and assurance, comforted by knowing he has a correctly filed application. *Photo changed for privacy reasons. |
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Justice for all Immigrants Receives Funding to Enhance
Legal Services for Citizenship Seekers Justice for all Immigrants is excited to announce that we have received a generous grant from Harris County in a collaborative effort with three other non-profit organizations and the Harris County Public Library. JFAI will receive $272,000 to support its legal services. This funding initiative, championed by Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones and Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, is dedicated to enhancing the provision of naturalization services across Harris County. "This funding will allow us to expand our team and capacity for providing citizenship services. It will enable us to bring on board an additional attorney and provide much needed outreach to Harris County residents who qualify for citizenship," said Joy Green, JFAI's Executive Director. The expansion of JFAI’s legal team will not only increase the service capacity but also ensure that each individual seeking assistance receives the dedicated and expert guidance they deserve. To explore the naturalization opportunities, contact our office today and schedule an appointment at 713-454-6470 or info@justiceforallimmigrants.org. Photo credit: Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones |
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DHS Helps Hold Exploitative Employers Accountable The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made significant strides in protecting over a thousand noncitizen workers from exploitative employers. This was achieved through an enhanced process, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor and other agencies, that streamlines and expedites the consideration of workers’ deferred action requests. This initiative is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to empower workers and improve workplace conditions, ensuring that all workers, including noncitizens, can assert their legal rights without fear of immigration-based retaliation. The DHS also announced new guidance for noncitizen workers seeking renewal of deferred action, further supporting labor agency investigations and enforcement actions against abusive employers. Read the full article https://shorturl.at/gDGR9. Texas Uses Supreme Court Ruling Loophole to Continue Border Fence Construction The Texas Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Biden administration, allowing federal border agents to modify or remove Texas-installed razor-wire fencing along the US-Mexico border. Despite the ruling, Texas Governor Greg Abbott intends to continue deploying razor wire as a deterrent against illegal immigration. This move aligns with Abbott's criticism of President Biden's border policies. The Supreme Court decision follows a request from the Biden administration to vacate an injunction by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. The US Justice Department contends that Texas' actions, including the fencing, obstruct federal border patrol operations. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, expressing disagreement with the ruling, pledges to defend state sovereignty. Read the full article https://shorturl.at/loO37. |
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What is a Red Card? Red Cards for immigrants are tools provided by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) to help individuals assert their rights and defend themselves in various situations, particularly when encountering Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Empower yourself with Know Your Rights (KYR) Red Cards in the United States, regardless of your immigration status! " Stay prepared and informed to protect yourself and your family. For more information and to print your own "Red Cards," visit the Informed Immigrant's Know Your Rights section here. |
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Please help us warmly welcome Lyda Ngin as our new Communications and Development Associate, whose diverse background and immigrant experience will greatly enhance our outreach and advocacy efforts. We look forward to her valuable contributions to our team and mission. |
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We are delighted to welcome back Jose Martinez as a Managing Attorney in our Houston office. His extensive experience in immigration law and background as a U.S. Armed Forces veteran make him a valuable addition to our team. We are excited about the expertise and dedication he brings to our mission of supporting non-citizens. |
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Please welcome Stephanie Flores Reyes, our new Legal Intern in our San Antonio office. Stephanie is a third-year law student at the University of Oklahoma College of Law. With her commitment to social justice and a background rooted in her experiences in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, Stephanie is an invaluable addition to our team, bringing a unique perspective to our mission. |
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More Ways You Can Help Our office is currently accepting donations of coloring books, crayons, and children's puzzles! We would like to have these items available for the children who visit our office. Client appointments can be difficult and tiring for children, and it is a beautiful way to keep the little ones occupied. If you wish to give, contact us here. |
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THANK YOU! As always, we would like to express our appreciation to our supporters, whose generous 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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