Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Dear Friend,

Some days, it’s hard not to feel the weight of it all.

The quiet stories we hear behind closed doors. The questions that have no easy answers. The policies that shift like sand, pulling families into fear before they can find their footing. In recent weeks, our team has met with clients who are too afraid to apply for citizenship, too anxious to go to work, and too hesitant to ask what comes next.

And yet, every single day, we also witness something deeply moving: people showing up anyway.

A client brings in his FOIA results, determined to understand what they mean for his future. Another client finally completes her citizenship application after months of doubt. These moments remind us that even in the face of confusion and cruelty, courage persists.

At Justice for all Immigrants (JFAI), we hold space for that courage. We meet it with clear legal support, patient listening, and a commitment that does not waver.

Real change requires a shared effort.

If you believe in the dignity of every person, regardless of their status, now is the time to take action. Whether by donating, volunteering, or simply amplifying our message, you can help ensure no one walks this path alone.

With Gratitude,

Joy Green
Executive Director
Justice for all Immigrants

Luis still remembers the confusion he felt when reading the complex documents tied to his immigration FOIA request. But thanks to the patient guidance of JFAI attorney Esther Oni, that confusion was transformed into clarity, and fear was replaced with hope.

From their very first meeting, Esther took the time to walk Luis through every detail, offering not just legal expertise but empathy and encouragement. “Thanks to her clarity and professionalism, I was able to confidently move forward with my citizenship process,” Luis shared.

What may have seemed like a routine appointment meant everything to Luis. “My attorney, Esther, faithfully represents the spirit of justice and humanity promoted by JFAI,” he wrote. “I am truly grateful.”

Luis’s story is just one of many. At JFAI, we believe in meeting each client with the respect and care they deserve, because behind every form or case file is a human being trying to build a better future.

Help us keep this work going. Your support helps us provide trusted legal guidance to more people like Luis.

*Photo changed for privacy reasons.

Make a donation today!

Meet Our Summer Intern Championing Immigration Justice

This Summer, JFAI is honored to have Jaslene Walia, an inspiring intern whose dedication to immigration law reflects the very heart of our mission.

Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Jaslene is a proud Punjabi American pursuing her Juris Doctor at St. Mary's University School of Law. With a background in political science and a Master of Jurisprudence already under her belt, she brings an impressive academic foundation to her work, and a deeply personal passion for justice.

Growing up in a diverse immigrant community, she witnessed firsthand the challenges families face in seeking safety, stability, and opportunity. That perspective ignited her drive to become an immigration attorney and one day open her own law firm, providing high-quality, accessible services to those most in need.

At JFAI, Jaslene has focused on supporting our legal team behind the scenes, helping draft motions, complete immigration forms, and prepare critical case materials. Her goal is to lighten the load for attorneys, allowing them to focus on advocacy and strategy. Her compassion and attention to detail have made her an integral part of our team.

She’s especially passionate about family-based immigration, employment-based pathways, and citizenship and naturalization, areas she sees as key to empowering immigrant communities. Her commitment to working without judgment, embracing each client’s unique story, and providing patient legal support is inspiring.

"Even small tasks, like helping fill out a form, can mean everything to someone," Jaslene shared. "This work gives me peace and purpose."

We are grateful to have Jaslene with us this summer and look forward to seeing the impact she will make as a future immigration attorney. Thank you for bringing your heart, your skills, and your vision to JFAI!

Naturalization Workshop Empowers Future Citizens in Galena Park

In partnership with GHIRP, BakerRipley, and East Harris County Empowerment Council, JFAI hosted a highly successful Citizenship Workshop at the Galena Park Resource & Training Center on July 12. With a strong turnout and a spirit of community, the event provided critical support to green card holders ready to take the next step toward U.S. citizenship.

Led by JFAI’s dedicated legal team, the workshop provided an informative citizenship session and hands-on assistance with completing the naturalization and fee waiver applications.

“It’s always powerful to see how much confidence and relief our clients feel after getting real answers and hands-on help,” said Esther Oni, JFAI Staff Attorney. “Applying for citizenship can be overwhelming, but we’re here to walk with them every step of the way.”

This initiative is proudly supported for Harris County residents and made possible through funding from Harris County Housing and Community Development (HCD).

For assistance with citizenship services, contact us at:
📧 info@justiceforallimmigrants.org 📞 713-454-6470 🌐 www.justiceforallimmigrants.org

Virtual Info-Sessions Bring Citizenship Guidance to More Harris County Residents

This July, JFAI continued expanding access to trusted immigration information through two virtual naturalization info-sessions hosted by community partners India House, on July 1, and SEDES, on July 16.

Led by Staff Attorney Esther Oni, each session offered participants an overview of the naturalization process, civics and English test requirements, and information on application fees, which can be as little as $0 for some individuals.

“We’re proud to offer these sessions throughout Harris County,” said Oni. “They give lawful permanent residents the tools and confidence they need to begin their citizenship journey.”

📞 Have a Green Card and want to know if you’re eligible for citizenship?
Call our office today at 713-454-6470 to schedule a legal consultation.

Supporting Immigrants in Court: Friend of the Court at S. Gessner

On July 21, 2025, JFAI Legal Director Jose L. Martinez was at the S. Gessner Immigration Court in Houston, TX, to provide Friend of the Court (FOC) services to individuals appearing without legal representation.

Jose assisted noncitizens by helping them complete change of address forms, answering general procedural questions, and offering translation support when court staff needed help communicating with respondents. At the request of the immigration judge, he also provided a brief legal consultation to a respondent who had already been granted lawful permanent residency but needed additional clarity.

A Friend of the Court is not a party or legal representative in a case, but serves a critical role in helping immigrants understand the immigration court process and their rights. With over 30 individuals present, this service ensured that more people facing complex legal systems had the guidance and support they needed that day.

*Photo changed for privacy reasons.

JFAI Joins National Conversations at the AILA Paralegal Conference

On July 22–23, JFAI Legal Assistant Nick Moncada attended the 2025 AILA Paralegals Conference held in Las Vegas. The two-day event brought together immigration professionals from across the country to explore paralegal best practices.

Nick participated in sessions focused on removal defense, litigation procedures, and emerging developments in immigration law. He deepened his knowledge in areas such as Cancellation of Removal, asylum, and humanitarian applications, and gained insight into key issues currently shaping immigration law.

“It was a great opportunity to learn from experienced attorneys and legal staff working on complex federal cases,” Nick shared. “I left with new tools and a stronger understanding of how to support our clients more effectively.

ICE Moves to Place Some 180,000 Immigrants with GPS Ankle Monitors

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has significantly expanded its use of GPS ankle monitors, now requiring around 183,000 immigrants in its Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program to wear them. This marks one of the largest uses of such surveillance technology in the program's history. While ICE claims the move enhances tracking and compliance, immigrant rights advocates argue it is overly punitive, stigmatizing, and can lead to emotional distress, especially for asylum seekers and families with children. Critics are urging the administration to consider less invasive, community-based alternatives. Read the full story here.

Court Blocks Trump’s Attempt to End Birthright Citizenship

A federal appeals court struck down former President Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship, ruling it unconstitutional and affirming the 14th Amendment. The decision protects citizenship rights for those born in the United States, blocking a major part of Trump’s immigration agenda. Read the full story here.

International Day of Justice, Saw 'Good Trouble' Protest Across the Country

In Houston, July 17th, Atlanta, and other major U.S. cities, hundreds of thousands of people marched for human rights across 1,500 sites, following in the footsteps of late congressman John Lewis, who marched for civil rights actions from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. Read the full story here.