News

A recent UM News article examines how faith communities are supporting immigrant families and features insights from JFAI Executive Director Joy Green on access to trusted legal services.

The Texas Supreme Court has temporarily paused Harris County's Immigrant Legal Services Fund while a legal challenge brought by the Texas Attorney General continues. The program, which supports nonprofit organizations providing legal representation to eligible immigrants facing deportation, will remain on hold until the court issues further direction.

A new survey and reporting highlight how increased immigration enforcement is causing many immigrants in Houston to avoid legal services, including opportunities for citizenship, out of fear of detention or deportation. Despite the growing human and economic impact on families and communities, public support across political lines is shifting toward expanding lawful pathways and long-term immigration solutions.

A significant expansion of the Collaboration Fund now offers $100,000 grants to 150 eligible grantee partners, totaling a $15 million investment, to strengthen nonprofit leadership and resilience across Houston. This initiative underscores a commitment to flexible, impactful funding that bolsters long-term organizational capacity.

As Legal Director for JFAI in Houston, Jose Luis Martinez leads the legal team and oversees day‑to‑day operations, spotlighting the work happening “on the front lines” of immigration justice.

JFAI received a $120,000 grant to open a new field office in Corpus Christi, expanding legal assistance, community clinics, and outreach for immigrants in the Coastal Bend.

Attorneys, advocates, and community leaders gathered for a press conference announcing the launch of the Harris County Immigrant Legal Services Fund to provide legal representation for detained immigrants and those facing deportation.

A spotlight on JFAI's role within the New Americans Campaign, a national collaborative dedicated to streamlining the naturalization process by promoting fair policies and expanding access to trusted legal support across the U.S

MHM Announces $120,000 Grant to Justice for all Immigrants in Corpus Christi

Explores how media and political language shape public perception of migrant caravans, often framing them as threats rather than humanitarian situations, and contrasts this with the accurate, humanizing language used by nonprofit organizations.

Through dedicated legal advocacy, JFAI and partners secured the release of an asylum‑seeking father from ICE detention, not once, but twice, ultimately reuniting him with his family in Texas.

Highlighting the urgency and fear faced by DACA recipients as the program’s future was placed in jeopardy, prompting many young immigrants to rush to renew their work permits and seek legal assistance to protect their ability to work, support their families, and remain in the United States.

Announcing Justice for all Immigrants’ welcome into the Immigration Law & Justice Network family, a national collaboration of legal clinics committed to expanding access to high-quality immigration services.