News

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.

In our September newsletter, we share Faustina’s courageous journey to safety, highlights from community and legal summits, and urgent updates on immigration changes. Together, we can help more families find the courage to say, “I feel safe.”

Faustina, a mother of three from Guatemala, found the courage to escape years of abuse and rebuild her life with the help of JFAI. From filing her asylum case to receiving her first work permit, she now looks toward a future of stability, safety, and hope for her daughters.

Zhara fled an arranged marriage only to face abuse and removal proceedings in the U.S. With JFAI’s support through a VAWA petition, she closed her case and secured permanent residency. Today, she is safe, free to work, travel, and rebuild her life.

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.

After surviving an abusive relationship, Sami turned to JFAI for help. Now, with his VAWA application approved, he’s one step closer to living a safe, independent life in the U.S.

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.

Stay informed with our March Newsletter! Learn about the IRS-ICE data deal, see highlights from our citizenship workshop, and meet the incre

As you read our August newsletter, we hope you feel inspired to remain a vital part of our efforts. Your ongoing support helps us deliver...

We are am excited to share the highlights from our 2023 annual report with you. With the support of our devoted staff, volunteers, and partn

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.

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

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.