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.”

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