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| Dear Friend, From ICE raids to sweeping travel bans and increased enforcement to legal uncertainty for those we serve, the weight on immigrant families has grown heavier. Across the country, protests have erupted in response to these policies, calling out detention expansion, mass deportations, and the erosion of civil liberties. Every day, we see the need for our work, as clients are often anxious and unsure, fearful of separation, and left without answers. And yet, we also witness something more powerful: resilience.
Because even as the fight gets harder, we are not backing down. Despite fear and confusion, people continue to show up, seek protection, stand up for their rights, and choose hope over despair. At Justice for all Immigrants (JFAI), we remain grounded in our mission and guided by a simple truth that justice begins with us. We stand with people, but we cannot do this alone. Your support, whether through a donation, volunteering your time, or simply sharing our message, makes a real difference. It fuels our work, sustains our team, and helps ensure no immigrant has to face this journey without guidance or dignity. If you are able, please consider giving today or volunteering at one of our upcoming events. Every act of support, no matter how small, echoes louder in times like these. With Gratitude, Joy Green
Executive Director
Justice for all Immigrants |
| | Sami came to the United States from India after falling in love with Mary. What began as a hopeful journey to build a life together soon turned into something very different. Once in the United States, Sami found himself in a relationship that became emotionally abusive and controlling. He was isolated from his children and cut off from friends and family, unable to reach out or speak freely. Eventually, Sami found the strength to leave. It wasn’t easy. As a man experiencing domestic violence, speaking out came with stigma and doubt. But he knew he needed help. Sami turned to JFAI and began the long, complex process of filing for protection under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which also protects men and parents against domestic violence. After three years of perseverance, Sami’s VAWA application was approved. He is waiting for his lawful permanent residency and looking forward to rebuilding his life in safety and peace.
*Photo changed for privacy reasons. |
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| | JFAI Joins National Conversation on Universal Representation Earlier this month, Executive Director, Joy Green, and Legal Director, Jose Martinez, took part in the Uniting for Universal Representation 2025 convening in Chicago. The event brought together advocates, legal experts, and policy leaders from across the country to strengthen access to legal representation for all immigrants, regardless of income or background. Joy moderated a panel discussion, "Adapting Legal Service Provider Capacity Amid Crisis," where panelists shared how their organizations are navigating challenges such as funding cuts, policy rollbacks, and increased enforcement. “It was powerful to connect with organizations from across the country who are facing similar obstacles and remain committed to the work,” she shared. “These conversations help us survive and grow together.” From state-level strategies to national messaging, the convening fostered meaningful collaboration and renewed energy for the fight for immigrant justice. *Photo changed for privacy reasons. |
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|  | Equipping Camp Leaders with Critical Know-Your-Rights Tools Daniella Salas-Chacon and Viridiana de la Cruz, joined a school event at Project Transformation Rio Texas, presenting to over 20 summer camp counselors and coordinators on June 6. The session focused on a critical topic: how to respond if ICE appears at a school or neighborhood site. Daniella’s presentation offered practical guidance on immigrant rights and JFAI’s legal support services. For many attendees, the training was an eye-opener. “Participants understood the issues broadly, but had no idea how to prepare to protect kids during an ICE encounter,” Daniella shared. “This session gave them the tools to respond, not react, and safeguard those in their care.” More than a training, this event strengthened community safety through education. With roots in the United Methodist Church, JFAI remains grounded in dignity, equity, and service, ensuring no child or family faces fear alone. |
| | | JFAI Staff and Board Attend AILA Annual Conference JFAI attorneys Daniella Salsa-Chacon, Esther Oni, Gabriela Lopez-Compean, and Joy Green and Board member, Guillermo Hernandez, joined thousands of immigration attorneys at the 2025 AILA Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado, from June 18–21. This year’s theme, “Stand Strong, Recharge, and Rise Together,” captured the unity and resilience as the field faces growing challenges and urgent policy shifts. Throughout the event, our team participated in sessions on legal strategy, ethics, and immigration policy reform. The conference provided critical tools to strengthen legal services and stay current on developments affecting the communities we serve. Beyond technical insights, the conference also offered a space to contemplate, connect, and recharge. “We learned about critical legal updates and reflected together as a team. We were able to bond and have some fun as well, and left the conference re-energized and ready to continue our fight for immigrant rights,” shared Joy Green, JFAI’s Executive Director. |
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| | Expanding Access to Citizenship Through Community Partnerships This month, JFAI participated in a major citizenship workshop in Houston, supporting local residents and city employees on their path to U.S. citizenship.
On June 9, JFAI partnered with the City of Houston at the Houston Public Library, offering free naturalization assistance to city employees and their families. Joy Green and Sandra Kitchen provided legal guidance and application assistance, while volunteers supported with registration.
“You could see the relief on people’s faces as we walked them through the process,” said Sandra. “It reminded me why this work matters.”
This event highlights the importance of collaboration in breaking down barriers to citizenship and increasing access to the support needed for individuals to succeed. |
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| | | | San Antonio Court Becomes Flashpoint in Immigration Debate An immigration court in San Antonio has drawn national attention after reports emerged that ICE agents were detaining migrants, some with children, immediately after their hearings. The court, housed in an unmarked office building, has become a focal point for expedited removal proceedings that immigrant advocates say lack transparency and due process. Legal experts warn that the fear of being arrested at court is deterring individuals from attending mandatory hearings, increasing the risk of deportation orders in absentia. Read the full story here. Amid Trump immigration crackdown, Texas reins in border spending and shifts focus to deportations With border crossings down, Texas is shifting from building a state-funded border wall to ramping up interior immigration enforcement through the Texas Department of Public Safety and the National Guard. The state’s new $3.4 billion plan supports collaboration with ICE, raising concerns about racial profiling and the impact on immigrant communities.
Read the full story here. Over Five Million People Mobilized on June 14 On June 14, more than five million people joined ‘No Kings’ protests across the country, demanding democracy, immigrant rights, and justice. In Texas, large-scale protests took place in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and other cities historically built by and made up of immigrant families. As one protester in San Antonio shared, “I’m a citizen today, but I’ll never forget the fear of not being one.”
Read the full story here. |
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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 | info@justiceforallimmigrants.org |
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