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| Dear Friend, This March reinforced how much the landscape continues to evolve for the communities we serve. Legal decisions, enforcement changes, and shifting access to relief are influencing the choices families face every day. These are not distant issues; they directly shape whether someone can work, remain with their family, or move forward with a sense of stability and security. This month, our team stayed grounded in the work that matters most. We supported individuals on their path to citizenship through multiple workshops across Houston, connected directly with community members at outreach events, and contributed to legal conversations at both local and national levels. We released our 2025 Annual Report, marking ten years of service and reflecting the impact made possible through consistent, collective effort. What stands out most is the role our community continues to play in this work. From volunteers who give their time, to donors who invest in access to legal services, to partners who open their doors for outreach, each contribution helps expand what is possible for the families we serve. Thank you for being part of this work and for helping ensure that access to legal support remains within reach for those who need it most. With Gratitude, Joy Green
Executive Director
Justice for all Immigrants |
| | With legal help, one mother found safety, permission to work legally, and a way forward for her family. When María* came to the U.S. from Mexico with her husband and two kids, the domestic abuse she had suffered for years got worse. She and the children were often denied food, and she faced constant verbal and physical attacks. After an especially violent night, a neighbor helped her call the police, file charges, and leave her partner. Starting over was hard, but she wasn't alone. Neighbors gave her odd jobs and helped her rent a safe apartment for her and her children. She then met an attorney from Justice for all Immigrants (JFAI), looked at her options, and decided to apply for a U visa as an immigrant survivor of crime. The legal team walked her through the certification steps and submitted her immigration application. Once her case received a bona fide determination, María and her sons got work authorization. Now she can work legally, support her kids, and send money to her two daughters who are studying in Mexico. Today, María is rebuilding her life. She has safety, independence, and the chance to plan her family's future. See more client stories here. | Visit our work, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. *Name and photo changed for privacy reasons. |
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| | Rebecca Schimcek supports JFAI through faith, action, and a deep belief in fairness. Rebecca didn't just support JFAI once. She shows up consistently. A lifelong Texan, former librarian, and PreK teacher, she was introduced to JFAI through her former pastor, Suzanne Isaacs. What started as a connection through faith quickly became something more personal. “My faith calls me to welcome others and treat them with dignity,” she shared. “That’s what led me here.” Over the years, Rebecca and her family have become some of JFAI’s most dedicated supporters, contributing to our annual Laughs for Legal Aid, serving as monthly donors, and consistently showing up for our mission. But for Rebecca, support isn’t just about giving. It’s about being present. One of her most meaningful experiences was volunteering at a legal clinic at a small church in San Antonio. There, she saw firsthand the families behind the cases, navigating a system that can be difficult to access without support. With her background working with children, she feels especially connected to the families JFAI serves. “I’m drawn to the children and families, and also to the young Dreamers. They represent so much of our future. They are incredible young people.” She believes access to legal representation should not depend on income. “Everyone deserves the chance to have their case heard fairly, not just those with resources.” She sees her support as a way to take action in a world that can feel overwhelming. “So often we feel like there’s nothing we can do. But we can keep showing up, keep caring, and keep doing what we can, one step at a time.” For Rebecca, it’s simple: keep showing up. And for JFAI, that kind of commitment from supporters makes our work possible. *Let us know if you’re a volunteer or donor interested in being featured in JFAI materials — we’d love to highlight your support |
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| | 2025 Annual Report: Focused on What Matters We are proud to share JFAI’s 2025 Annual Report, marking a decade of providing access to immigration legal services. Over the past ten years, JFAI has served more than 5,000 individuals across Houston and San Antonio. In 2025 alone, we supported 641 new clients and managed over 2,100 cases. Notable outcomes included 147 clients obtaining work authorization, 40 clients becoming lawful permanent residents, and 33 clients becoming U.S. citizens, a 247% increase in our citizenship approvals from 2024. We helped families stay together, move toward financial independence, participate fully in civic life, and gain pathways to long-term safety and stability in the United States. This work is made possible by a strong community of partners, supporters, and advocates who continue to stand with us. We invite you to explore the full report and see the impact of your support: https://www.justiceforallimmigrants.org/post/2025-annual-report |
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| | Laughs for Legal Aid 2026 is Just Around the Corner! In 2025, thanks to your support, we increased legal screenings for unaccompanied immigrant children by 45%. Join us for an evening of comedy, community, and purpose as we raise critical funds to support even more immigrant children and families. There’s still time to secure your seat. Purchase your tickets here: Get your tickets. We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors and donors who have already stepped up to support this event, including those who contributed amazing silent auction items and experiences. Your generosity is helping make this night possible and impactful. We hope to see you there! Learn more and get involved: www.justiceforallimmigrants.org/events-jfai/laughsforlegalaid |
|  | | | Investing in Leadership and Growth JFAI Staff Attorney, Daniella Salas-Chacón, participated in the San Antonio Area Foundation’s Supervisory and Management Certificate Program, a six-week training designed to strengthen leadership skills and support professional growth. The program brought together professionals from across the community for collaborative learning, practical discussions, and real-world applications. Through this experience, Daniella engaged with peers and industry leaders and gained tools to enhance team support, decision-making, and organizational impact to help lead our San Antonio office. Her participation reflects JFAI’s commitment to continuous learning and strengthening internal leadership to better serve our clients and community. “Strong leadership helps us better support both our team and the people we serve,” shared Daniella. *Photo changed for privacy reasons. |
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| | Judge Ends Asylum Claims for 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and His Family, Orders Removal An immigration judge denied the asylum claims of Liam Conejo Ramos, a 5-year-old whose detention drew national attention, and his family, ordering their removal from the U.S. The family’s attorneys are appealing the decision, a process that could take months or years while they remain at risk of deportation to Ecuador. Read the full story here. Texas to Require Proof of Legal Immigration Status for Professional Licenses Texas will require applicants to prove legal immigration status to obtain many professional licenses, beginning May 1. Supporters say the rule aligns with federal law, while critics warn it could limit job access for immigrants and push more workers into unregulated employment. 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 | [email protected] |
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