Justice for Our Neighbors is unique in the Middle Tennessee area as an immigration service provider capable of working with individuals with a broad range of immigration questions. Below is a description of some of the types of issues that face JFON clients:

• Deferred Action for Childhood  Arrivals (DACA)
• Unaccompanied minors
• Victims of certain serious crimes, including domestic violence, may be eligible for U visa status. They must have suffered substantial physical or mental harm, and must cooperate with law enforcement officials in the investigation and prosecution of the crimes against them. A U visa holder may apply for certain close family members to obtain status as well, and may apply for lawful permanent residence (a green card) after three years. 53 of our clients are in the process of applying for U status, either as principal victims or their derivative family members.
• The Violence Against Women Act allows spouses and children of permanent residents and U.S. citizens who are abusive to petition for their own immigration status, rather than allowing an abusive family member control over that aspect of the immigrant’s life. JFON has two clients self-petitioning for LPR status under VAWA.
• Certain family members of lawful permanent residents and U.S. citizens may apply for permanent residence as well. JFON helps them prepare the necessary paperwork, anticipate potential difficulties, and prepare for an interview with an immigration officer. Three JFON clients are applying for permanent resident status through a family member.
• Individuals who enter the United States as refugees fleeing persecution in their home countries are eligible to apply for permanent residence after one year in the U.S. JFON is working with six individuals granted refugee status to obtain green cards.
• After holding permanent resident status for a certain period (depending on how they obtained their permanent residence), an individual can apply for U.S. citizenship. JFON helps immigrants to fill out the necessary paperwork and access classes to help them prepare for the naturalization interview and test. Justice for our Neighbors currently has two clients in the process of applying for citizenship
• Many people who come to JFON clinics do not have a way to change their immigration status at this time. JFON provides these individuals with the opportunity to speak with a lawyer who can explain the law to them and help them to understand their situation. We see approximately 100 people each year at intake clinics. Some of them will have a way to change their immigration status, but for those who do not, JFON provides advice and counsel that they can trust.