Alejandra* came to the United States after the civil war in El Salvador because she saw no other path to safety or survival. Determined to provide for her family, she worked tirelessly selling bread on the streets, often enduring hunger herself so that her household could eat. Despite her unwavering efforts, she lived in crushing […]
From Trauma to Triumph Read More »
We at Just Neighbors are honored to share Anna’s* story. Today, we celebrate her approval for deferred action under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Anna first came to the United States with her first husband. After four years, that marriage ended in divorce. Later, she married a U.S. citizen. Soon after their wedding, the
Surviving Abuse, Reclaiming Hope: Anna’s VAWA Victory Read More »
During my internship at Just Neighbors, I had the opportunity to assist two Lawyer in the Library events at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore City. I supported individuals and families by helping them fill out a general demographic questionnaire in both English and Spanish before they had their meeting with the attorney. I
Carrying Their Stories: An Internship Rooted in Hope and Community Read More »
Just Neighbors continually looks for ways to serve the immigrant community. As part of this, we provide mental health treatment to a number of clients through grants that we receive. Many of our clients have suffered trauma. For some, it was traumatic experiences in their home country that prompted them to leave. Others experienced trauma
Hope After Hardship: The Power of Trauma-Informed Care Read More »
Miriam* came to the U.S. as a teenager with her family. As the oldest of her siblings, she was over 18 when her parents naturalized — making her the only child ineligible for automatic citizenship. She remained a Legal Permanent Resident for years, navigating marriage, raising two children, earning her degree, and eventually going through
Courage Through Complexity: Miriam’s Story Read More »
https://www.justneighbors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/89288.mp3 K-LOVE interviews Dominique, our Director of Legal Services. Jack Church from K-LOVE talks with Dominque Poirier, Director of Legal Services with Just Neighbors. Dominique talks about our work and the role it plays in the community. We also hear about what inspired Dominique to become a part of Just neighbors, and why Just Neighbors
K-LOVE Interviews Just Neighbors Read More »
Our naturalization client, Claudia, was scheduled for a citizenship/oath ceremony on Friday, November 1st, in Fairfax, Virginia. She expected to register to vote at USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) after the ceremony, but registration wasn’t offered. Fortunately, her Just Neighbors attorney, Eva Marie Carney, texted her on Saturday to make sure the oath ceremony
Turning a Ceremony into Civic Engagement: Claudia’s First Vote Read More »
As we commemorate World Refugee Day, we must recognize that behind every refugee label lies a story of resilience, courage, and hope. Refugees are not defined solely by their status; they have endured unimaginable hardships, sought safety in unfamiliar lands, and embarked on the journey of rebuilding their lives from the ground up. Anwar’s story
Anwar’s Journey: Resilience and Hope on World Refugee Day Read More »
To whom it may concern, Just Neighbors has been an impactful opportunity for me. I am an immigrant myself. I grew up in an orphanage in Bolivia, where my parents worked as supervisors. I was surrounded by children and families with far different realities than mine. I was fortunate enough to have the privilege to
The Impact of a Just Neighbors Internship Read More »
Just Neighbors condemns President Biden’s new proclamation and rule, which invoke presidential authority found in the Immigration and Nationality Act and block asylum seekers who enter the United States between ports of entry from accessing asylum. This new rule is simply a repackaging of unjust asylum restrictions that the Trump Administration also tried to put
Just Neighbors’ Statement on Biden’s Immigration Executive Order Read More »