"JFAI did so much for me, even when I couldn't give anything back," she says.
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.