 | Dear Friend, November has brought its share of ups and downs for many in the United States. While the holiday season is in full swing, countless immigrants remain uncertain about who will protect their families and futures in the months ahead. These questions drive us to ensure our services reach those in need. In this issue, we share stories of resilience at Justice for all Immigrants (JFAI) that inspire us to keep serving despite the challenges. We've seen firsthand how legal support can transform lives. Take Hilaria, a young woman from Guatemala. After struggling for years, she’s now on a clear path to permanent residency and feels empowered to control her future. “JFAI did so much for me,” she says. Your kindness makes this success possible, allowing us to help Hilaria—and others like her—on their journey to a better life. As Giving Tuesday approaches, we’re reminded of how much generosity can impact lives. We invite you to join us in this life-changing work. Your donation can bring hope to someone like Marisol, a DACA recipient from Guatemala who was brought to the United States at age 3. Reflecting on this year, we are grateful for the partnerships and funding that empower our work. From community consultations in San Antonio to citizenship workshops in Houston, we’re reaching those who need us most. Thank you for standing with us and immigrants. Your support means the world as we face the challenges ahead and continue to write stories of hope. With Gratitude, Joy Green
Executive Director
Justice for all Immigrants |
| | JFAI Did So Much for Me… Hilaria, 22, came to the U.S. from Guatemala to reunite with her aunt. After turning 18, she left a shelter and struggled to understand her case. She hired an attorney, who, despite charging her $1,000, didn’t provide clarity. After reaching out to JFAI, Hilaria met Daniella, JFAI's Attorney in San Antonio, who helped her track the status of her case and discovered her Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status had been approved. Daniella also assisted Hilaria in securing her work permit and closing her court case. Hilaria was shocked to learn she had been eligible for a work permit earlier but had not been informed by her previous attorney. JFAI provided legal support at no cost, and Hilaria is now on the path to permanent residency. "JFAI did so much for me, even when I couldn't give anything back," she says. With her legal status, she hopes to visit her home country and find better job opportunities. Hilaria recommends JFAI to anyone seeking legal help: "Don't give up and ask as many questions as you can. Daniella, my attorney, is always willing to answer. |
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| |  | This Giving Tuesday, Your Gift Can Help Write a Story For Marisol*, darkness was a daily reality—until she found hope. Born in Guatemala and brought to the United States at age 3, Marisol obtained DACA status but faced abuse at home from ages 11 to 16. Despite the pain, she dreamed of a better life. When she bravely testified against her abuser, everything began to change. A compassionate family took her in, and through JFAI, Marisol renewed her DACA status and began her journey to safety with help on her U-Visa case. As we approach Giving Tuesday, we are reminded of the incredible power this special day has to change lives. Marisol’s journey is a testament to the hope and transformation your support can bring to our immigrant community. What began as a path through darkness has now turned into a story of safety, stability, and courage. But Marisol’s story is just one of many. Many more immigrant survivors still need your help to find hope and a brighter future. So, please join us this Giving Tuesday! Every gift you make tells a story of hope. Your generosity could mean the difference between fear and safety, and a new beginning for someone like Marisol. We aim to raise $10,000 to support our mission and reach more immigrants in need. Here’s how your donation can help: - $35 – Legal consultation
- $50 – Snacks and drinks for survivors and their children
- $100 – Postage and case supplies for government submissions
- $150 – Transportation (rides to/from the office)
- $300 – Continued legal assistance and case follow-up
Your gift and your voice can help. Together, we can make a lasting impact this Giving Tuesday. *Name and photo were changed for privacy reasons. |
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| Community Consultations at San Antonio State Supported Living Center On October 23, 2024, Daniella Salas-Chacon, JFAI’s Staff Attorney, conducted Community Consultations at the San Antonio State Supported Living Center (SASSLC), a facility that provides housing and support for adults with dual diagnoses—psychological or behavioral challenges alongside physical disabilities. During the session, Daniella provided personalized consultations to address their specific legal needs. Through these consultations, she identified potential relief options for all attendees, ensuring each person received the support necessary for their unique circumstances. This event was part of JFAI’s efforts to reach vulnerable communities and offer crucial legal assistance. |
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| | JFAI Attorney Explores Strategies for Resilience and Success at 2024 Wellness Conference Jose Martinez, Managing Attorney, attended the 2024 "Sustainable Success: Nourishing Resilience and Longevity in Law" Wellness Conference from November 13 to November 15 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This transformative event provided an opportunity for legal professionals from Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma to explore key strategies for improving both their legal practice and personal well-being. The conference offered a range of sessions, including discussions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and wellness in the workplace, succession planning for law firms, and building a positive mindset. Jose participated in a variety of sessions that emphasized the importance of balancing professional success with personal health. Such workshops included one on managing virtual assistants and one on cultivating resilience in practice. |
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| |  | Empowering Immigrants: JFAI Partners to Support
Citizenship Workshop On November 16, JFAI partnered with GHIRP, BakerRipley, and City Rise, funded by Harris County Housing & Community Development (HCD), to organize a Free Citizenship Workshop to support the immigrant community at CityRise Bellaire. JFAI’s team, including attorneys and legal assistants, was on the ground providing Know Your Rights information and assisting eligible green card holders with their N-400 and I-912 forms. We offered support as they took the next step toward U.S. citizenship. "As immigrants helping immigrants apply for citizenship, we're united by our shared experiences, even though we're from different corners of the world, including Peru, Iceland, and Nigeria, as in my case," said Esther Oni, JFAI's Staff Attorney. This program is made possible through generous funding from Harris County HCD. We’re thankful to be part of this impactful event and to serve those working hard to make a better future for themselves and their families Photo credit: Harris County Housing & Community Development. |
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| | Trump Is Banned From Separating Families at the Border Again A recent settlement prohibits the reinstatement of the family separation policy from Donald Trump's first term until 2031. This agreement, reached between the Biden administration and families affected by the previous policy, includes an eight-year ban on separating migrant children from their parents during deportation proceedings. Civil rights organizations, such as the ACLU, are prepared to enforce this ban against any attempts to resume or circumvent it.
Read the full article here. DHS to Supplement H-2B Cap with Nearly 65,000 Additional Visas for Fiscal Year 2025 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), has announced an additional allocation of 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for Fiscal Year 2025. This increase supplements the standard annual cap of 66,000 visas, aiming to address the demand for seasonal workers in industries such as hospitality, tourism, landscaping, and seafood processing. Supplementary visas are available to U.S. businesses that demonstrate a need for temporary workers and attest that without these workers, they would suffer irreparable harm. |
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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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