 | Dear Friend, Our work is the most rewarding when we see our clients, like Brandon's family, achieve their desired outcomes through our dedicated legal services. Brandon's parents, Maria and Ronaldo, recently obtained the crucial legal documents for his medical treatment, a significant milestone in their journey. Their story, a testament to the impact we strive to make, is a vivid example of how our efforts can transform lives. As we step into the Summer of 2024, we reflect on the momentous occasions we've celebrated: Juneteenth, Father's Day, Pride, Refugee Month, and the Biden Administration’s Parole-In-Place policy. These events are not just dates on the calendar but reminders of the better future we aspire to create for families like Brandon's under the protection of this country. We must acknowledge that our success is not ours alone but the collective and a testament to the power of this kind of community. The generous support, love, and care from our donors and volunteers fuel our work and enable us to bring about positive change. Your ongoing contributions bring joy to families, optimism to our work, and happier lives to our community. Together, we can continue to make a profound difference in the lives of immigrant families. With Gratitude, Joy Green
Executive Director
Justice for all Immigrants |
| | Maria and Ronaldo's Wishes: A Family's Quest for Medical Care and Stability Maria followed her husband, Ronaldo, to the United States in 2022, seeking medical treatment for their youngest son, Brandon, who has a severe mobile disability. They had struggled to find help for him in Mexico. Ronaldo, already a permanent resident, was working in the United States to support his family. Fortunately, Brandon received treatment at Children’s Rehabilitation Institute Teleton USA, a center for children with severe disabilities. During that time, the family connected with JFAI. Before contacting JFAI, Ronaldo faced challenges in petitioning for his family. As non-citizens, they had to travel to Mexico for interviews—an expensive and taxing journey, especially with Brandon's condition. This was only possible if Ronaldo could become a citizen first, which was also costly. Maria couldn't work due to her caregiving duties, and Ronaldo's income barely covered their needs. Daniella, JFAI's attorney, learned about their financial constraints and tirelessly advocated for their cause. JFAI represented them pro bono while Teleton covered the immigration filing fees. This allowed Ronaldo to pursue citizenship and petition for his family, ensuring Brandon received better medical care. Ronaldo passed his citizenship test on the first try. With JFAI's assistance, the family has received continuous good news. Ronaldo's citizenship meant Maria and their sons could stay in the United States. Brandon has access to essential medical care, and their older son, Rolando Jr., is preparing for his driver's license, considering college, and envisioning a brighter future. |
|
|
| |  | JFAI at the AILA Conference 2024: A Week of Learning and Connection Our team recently joined thousands of immigration attorneys at the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Conference 2024 in Chicago from June 12 to 15! Our board member, Guillermo Hernandez, four of our JFAI’s attorneys, and our legal intern got to attend and participate in enriching discussions and workshops, connect with current and former Immigration Law & Justice Network attorneys, and attend an exclusive event at the Museum of Science and Industry. The conference provided an invaluable opportunity for our team to deepen their knowledge, network with peers, and explore the latest trends and challenges in immigration law. This year's conference catalyzed professional growth and collaboration, strengthening our commitment to our mission. Thanks to AILA for organizing such a transformative event that continues to enhance our capabilities and dedication to serving our clients and advocating for just and humane immigration policies. |
| |  | On June 22, 2024, JFAI, in collaboration with partners, successfully organized a Citizenship Workshop at Bering Memorial United Church of Christ. This event supported the immigrant community by assisting eligible individuals with their citizenship applications and offering guidance through the naturalization process. "The workshop was a success as our team provided the necessary assistance to clients applying for citizenship. This is not our first and certainly won't be our last effort. JFAI and our partners are committed to continuing these workshops because we know there are many eligible clients who need our support in this process," shared Esther Oni, JFAI Staff Attorney. The workshop featured community volunteers and staff from JFAI, BakerRipley, the Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project (GHIRP), and the Tahirih Justice Center. Participants received hands-on assistance in completing and preparing their applications for submission to USCIS. JFAI is dedicated to continuing citizenship services and ensuring that immigrants receive the support they need to navigate the path to U.S. citizenship. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 713-545-6470. |
|
|
| | DACA Recipients Could Gain H-1B Visas Under New Immigration Policy Washington, DC – On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, President Biden announced new executive actions to enhance immigration policies. These measures will enable certain noncitizen spouses and children of U.S. citizens to obtain work authorization and legal permanent resident (LPR) status. Additionally, the actions provide eligible DACA recipients and other Dreamers with a pathway to secure work visas. Read the full article here DHS Announces New Process to Promote the Unity and Stability of Families The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced actions to promote family unity. It will allow certain noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens who have lived in the United States for 10 years or more to apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the country. This initiative could benefit around 500,000 noncitizen spouses and 50,000 of their children, preventing prolonged separations. Read the full article here |
| |
|
| | | Eduardo Jiménez
Staff Attorney We are excited to welcome Eduardo Jiménez to JFAI as a Staff Attorney in our San Antonio office. Eduardo holds a BA in Hispanic Literature from Harvard University, a doctoral degree in Humanities from Universidad San Pablo-CEU, and a law degree from Cornell University. He has extensive experience in legal advocacy for immigrants, has practiced criminal defense, and served as legal counsel in Bexar County. Eduardo will be representing unaccompanied children as part of JFAI’s new partnership with the Acacia Center for Justice. |
|
|
Viridiana de la Cruz
Legal Assistant Please give a warm welcome to Viridiana de la Cruz, our new Legal Assistant in our San Antonio office. Viridiana brings valuable experience from her work with non-profit immigration organizations and private firms, where she assisted the community with detained immigrants and unaccompanied children. Her extensive experience in these roles has given her a deep understanding of immigrants' challenges. Viridiana will work alongside Eduardo to assist unaccompanied children. |
|
|
|
|
| |  | | 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. |
|
|
| |
|
| | Justice for all Immigrants
2220 Broadway Street | Houston, Texas 77012
713-454-6470 | info@justiceForAllImmigrants.org |
| | |
|
| |
|
|
