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Still Fighting for the Right to Stay

Since August 2025, “Andrés,” a young client from Honduras, has been held in immigration detention after what he describes as racial profiling during a traffic stop. At the time, he had an approved Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) petition, a valid work permit, and a driver’s license. Despite following the legal process available to him and securing protection from deportation through SIJS, he now faces the possible loss of his legal status and removal from the United States.

Both of Andrés’s parents are deceased. He has no siblings, and his extended family lives in Honduras. JFAI has represented him before immigration court and the Board of Immigration Appeals while pursuing federal court review. Our organization has also paid more than $1,200 in filing fees to date, ensuring that financial hardship does not close off the legal options still available to him.

“Without JFAI's support, I would have had no choice but to leave and give up,” Andrés shared. “I am still detained, fighting for my right to stay in the United States, even after already going through the entire process once before.”

His appeal is now before the Board of Immigration Appeals as JFAI seeks additional review in federal court. “Cases like Andrés’s show why access to legal representation is so important,” said Daniella Salas-Chacón, JFAI Staff Attorney. “A person should not lose the opportunity to pursue lawful protection simply because they are detained or cannot afford the cost of continuing their case. Our work helps ensure that every available legal option is fully presented and protected.”

Andrés’s case is not over, and neither is JFAI’s commitment to stand beside him. Funding makes consistent representation possible, especially in detention and appeals cases that require significant time and resources. Your support helps ensure that immigrants facing the legal system do not have to fight alone.

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*Name and photo changed for privacy reasons.

When Legal Help Is Put at Risk, So Is Due Process

The promise of a fair hearing means little if someone must navigate immigration court alone. In Texas and across the country, funding decisions are threatening the legal assistance that helps detained immigrants and unaccompanied children understand their rights and effectively present their cases.

On June 26, the Texas Supreme Court ordered Harris County to stop distributing money through its Immigrant Legal Services Fund while the legal challenge to this program continues. The court emphasized that the order is temporary and does not decide the merits of the case. However, the halt immediately prevents already allocated funding intended to provide legal representation to low-income Harris County residents facing immigration detention from reaching the program's five selected organizations, including JFAI.

The national threat to legal services for unaccompanied children is even more immediate. The federally funded program providing legal assistance to more than 20,000 children is expected to be dismantled on  July 31. Legal providers report that the federal government has withheld $65 million in payment for work already completed, including nearly $220,000 owed to JFAI, forcing organizations to stop accepting new clients or withdraw from the program. Without continued representation, thousands of children could be required to appear in immigration court alone and without an attorney.

“Legal representation is what turns the promise of due process into a real opportunity to be heard,” said Joy Green, JFAI’s Executive Director. “When funding is blocked or withdrawn, the consequences are felt most heavily by people with the fewest resources, including children and detained individuals. JFAI will continue defending access to legal counsel and speaking out when that access is threatened.”

JFAI joined legal providers nationwide in a Digital Day of Action to raise awareness about the threat to children’s legal services. We stay committed to representing immigrants and working with partners to protect meaningful access to due process.

Support Access to Legal Help | Tell Congress to Protect Unaccompanied Children

Family of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo Calls for Accountability

Veronica Ramhart is a first-generation Mexican American and the first person in her family to graduate from both high school and college. Together with her best friend, Lilly, she organizes the Houston Oddities Market, a monthly event at Spindletap Brewery that showcases local artists and small businesses.

For the market held on July 12, Veronica used T-shirt sales to support JFAI. After the event, she donated $250, representing half of the fundraiser's profits. “I was tired of seeing awful things happen, so I figured, why not be part of the change we want to see?” Veronica shared.

Her decision was also deeply personal. “Supporting the community is important to me because it is me,” she said. “I grew up knowing my family could be taken away at any time. We even had meetings about who would care for the children if someone was picked up.” Veronica said her favorite part of the fundraiser was seeing how many people came out to support the cause. “Witnessing how many people care was amazing.”

“Veronica’s generosity shows how one person can use their business and creativity to make a purposeful difference,” said José Luis Martinez, JFAI’s Legal Director. “At a time when funding for immigrant legal services remains uncertain, support like this helps us continue serving vulnerable families.”

JFAI is grateful to Veronica, Lilly, the participating artists, and everyone who supported the fundraiser. Their effort offers a powerful example of how local businesses and community members can turn an idea into tangible help for immigrant families.

Follow Houston Oddities Market and Veronica on Instagram to learn more about their work.

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.