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| Dear Friend, There is something profound about hearing someone say, “I finally feel safe.” This month, we witnessed that transformation in Faustina’s story, a mother who found the courage to leave her abuser, seek help, and start over again. Her words echo what we hope for every client who walks through our doors: stability, dignity, and a chance to live without fear. We also saw that hope take shape in outreach events, in national and state legal summits where our staff shared strategies, and in community gatherings where knowledge was exchanged and partnerships strengthened. Each moment, whether in a crowded conference room or a quiet one-on-one consultation, adds to the collective work of creating safety and opportunity for immigrant families. Yet these signs of progress arrive alongside daunting news: a tougher citizenship test and increased immigration enforcement. These changes make our work more urgent than ever. At Justice for all Immigrants (JFAI), we remain committed to meeting this moment with resolve and compassion. If you believe in safety, justice, and the promise of a future free from fear, now is the time to stand with us. Donate. Volunteer. Share our mission. Together, we can ensure more families find the courage to say, “I feel safe.” With Gratitude, Joy Green
Executive Director
Justice for all Immigrants |
| | I Finally Feel Safe For Faustina, a mother of three from Guatemala, those words carry a depth of meaning shaped by survival and strength. Two years ago, Faustina came to the United States under the promise of a better life, a promise made by her husband, who had long been abusive. He swore things would change if they moved. Instead, the violence followed. While pregnant with their youngest daughter, Faustina suffered escalating abuse that ended in a hospital stay. That moment became a turning point. After being discharged, she fled with her two daughters to a domestic violence shelter, where she began the long road to safety and independence. Faustina’s journey brought her to JFAI just one month before her asylum filing deadline. She didn’t know she had a deadline at all until she met Daniella, a JFAI staff attorney with a long history of helping immigrant women. With urgency and compassion, Daniella helped her file her case in time and start the process toward a better life. Faustina and her daughter are now pursuing asylum and a U visa. Recently, she also received her work permit, an emotional milestone. “I feel stable, secure,” she says. “Now I can work, apply for a Social Security number, and I’m learning how to drive. I even started English classes. In five years, I want to speak fluent English, have a house, savings, and raise my girls without fear.” When asked if she would recommend JFAI, her answer is immediate: “With joy, yes. You do excellent work. You helped me when I needed it most.” Support our mission to bring hope, protection, and freedom to more immigrants in crisis. Donate | Volunteer | Follow |
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| | Thank You for a Successful Big Give! We are thrilled to share that this year’s Big Give was a success, thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters and the dedication of our peer-to-peer fundraisers. Together, we raised funds to support immigrant survivors of domestic and gender-based violence and their families. Your contributions make it possible for JFAI to provide free and low-cost legal services, protection, and stability to those who need it most. We are deeply grateful to everyone who gave, shared our mission, and helped spread the word. A special thank you goes to our amazing peer-to-peer fundraisers, who rallied their networks and brought new energy and supporters to JFAI. We couldn’t have done it without you, and we can’t wait to see you again for Big Give 2026! 🔗 Visit our Big Give profile, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and help spread the word. |
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|  | JFAI Attends AILA Fall Summit in Boston On September 11–12, Staff Attorney Khadija Aboueisha and DOJ Accredited Representative Alexandra Santamaria represented JFAI at the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Fall Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. The two-day event brought together hundreds of immigration attorneys, law professors, paralegals, law students, and special guests for an energizing exchange of ideas, skills, and strategies. The conference provided valuable opportunities to enhance legal expertise, learn from national leaders in immigration law, and foster connections that support the broader immigrant rights community. “Being in a space with so many dedicated advocates reminded me that while the challenges are immense, we are not alone,” Khadija shared. “We returned home recharged, equipped with new tools, and inspired to continue fighting for our clients’ right to stability and justice.” |
| | | Building Stronger Networks for Immigrant Justice Attorneys Daniella Salas-Chacón and Khadija Aboueisha attended a two-day Immigration Legal Summit hosted by the Texas Immigration Law Council on September 18–19. The event brought together nonprofit service providers from across the state to network, strategize, and share best practices for serving immigrant communities. “The summit was a reminder that the power of this work lies in our collaboration,” Daniella said. “Every connection we build strengthens our ability to help families navigate complex systems and access the justice they deserve.” Participants explored ways to strengthen advocacy, address challenges, and deepen collaboration to ensure families receive the support they need. |
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| | | JFAI Shares Citizenship Strategies at Convening On September 23, attorneys Esther Oni and Gabriela Lopez-Compean represented JFAI at the Greater Houston Citizenship Stakeholder meeting at the Julia Ideson Building. Esther led a table discussion on citizenship strategies, engaging with partners from across the country. “Collaborating with partners at NPNA reminds us that every success is part of a larger movement,” Esther emphasized. “Together, we can expand access to citizenship and help more families achieve stability and security.” The meeting highlighted opportunities for immigrant-serving organizations to share innovations, address challenges, and strengthen pathways to citizenship nationwide. For assistance with citizenship services, contact us at: 📧 info@justiceforallimmigrants.org 📞 713-454-6470 🌐 www.justiceforallimmigrants.org |
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| $100K Fee for H-1B Visa Applications President Trump signed a proclamation adding a $100,000 annual fee to new H-1B visa applications. Supporters say it protects U.S. workers, while critics warn it could hurt small businesses and drive talent abroad.
Read the full story here. U.S. Unveils Tougher Civics Test for Citizenship Starting October 20, 2025, naturalization applicants will face a harder citizenship test. The exam will increase from 100 to 128 questions, double the questions asked from 10 to 20, and raise the passing score from 6 to 12 questions answered correctly. Those who apply before the deadline will still take the current citizenship test. USCIS says the change strengthens civic knowledge, but advocates warn it may create new barriers.
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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