Dear Friends, 

This year has been one of great accomplishments for Just Neighbors and also of unprecedented need among the immigrants we serve.  In 2008 we received over twice as many calls for immigration legal assistance by low-income immigrants in Northern Virginia compared to 2007.  Thanks to the hard work and generosity of volunteers throughout the community, our attorneys have responded to this need effectively, serving a larger number of clients with more time-consuming cases. 

The year ahead, however, promises new challenges.  The difficult economic climate has resulted in more immigrants unable to pay for private attorneys with their critical issues of escaping from situations of domestic violence, uniting with their families, and securing authorization to work.  Just Neighbors will continue to work with the community to meet these escalating needs.  We look forward to working with you to serve our immigrant neighbors.

Client Story

During this holiday season of gift-giving, I remember a client family- the Wang family- whose delivery of gifts to our staff last month touched us all.

Mr. Wang had been a highly respected economist in his home country in Asia.  However, the government disapproved of his work and teachings, and he began to fear for the safety of himself and his family.  They fled to the United States on temporary visas and then sought asylum, citing their fear of persecution should they be forced to return home. 

U.S. Immigration granted the family asylum, and Mr. Wang, his wife, and their two children in high school began their life anew here.  Both parents took on low-paying jobs.  Mr. Wang worked long hours at a local department store, a far cry from his former career as a leading economist.  After one year in the United States, they came to Just Neighbors for assistance in applying for their lawful permanent residence.  Our attorney Linda Johnson met with them and helped them with the application process.  Over the next several months they awaited their green cards, which would get them on the path toward citizenship and allow them to become more fully a part of this country. 

At the end of November, we received a phone call from Mr. Wang’s 17 year old daughter, who spoke better English than her parents.  The entire family had received their green cards and wanted to come to the office to thank the staff in person.  The next morning, the four members of the Wang family arrived at our office, beaming with pride.  The two children were especially happy since they got to skip school for the occasion.  They delivered gifts to the staff they had bought with the little spending money they had, and each of them took turns thanking us and expressing their appreciation.  We were moved by their generosity and together celebrated that the family’s future is now full of new hope and possibilities. 

Around the Office

Thank you to the Arlington Community Foundation for its grant of $6,000 to provide immigration legal services to Arlington County residents in the year ahead.

We are appreciative of a large furniture donation by Merrill Lynch in DC.  We now have nicer, more functional desks and acquired additional file cabinets to accommodate the growing number of client files we anticipate in the years ahead.

Volunteer of the Month

We are glad to honor Saroj Iyer as our volunteer of the month.  Saroj recently passed the bar and is gaining experience at Just Neighbors in preparation for a career as a lawyer.  She comes to our office every Monday to conduct phone intakes, meet with clients, assist with forms for Immigration, and more.  Thank you Saroj!

Have a joyous new year!

Sincerely,

Rob Rutland-Brown                                                                                                                                                                                            

 Executive Director