Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors represents clients who are entitled to relief under United States immigration law. Each client brings a unique story. We’ve shared some DACA stories with you over the last several months, and as 2020 comes to a close, we have some additional client stories to celebrate.

Without your gifts, these moments would not be possible.  We deeply appreciate your support — especially in such a challenging year — and hope we can continue to count on you so that our Middle Tennessee neighbors will experience more moments of joy in 2021.

• A young man, who had been abandoned by both parents, received a green card based on special immigrant juvenile status and is now pursuing his dream of playing professional soccer. 

• A devoted husband and father of three received a green card based on a U visa for victims of serious crimes. Having a green card will provide the stability that he and his family need as they raise a disabled child and grow their bakery business. 

• Five men from Honduras came to the United States on a promise of well-paid seasonal work. After arriving, they learned that they had been deceived and could not return to Honduras because of the money owed the unscrupulous labor contractor. In 2020, two received U visas; the other three are in deferred action, a status that reflects provisional approval of the U visa application and allows them to live and work in the United States until a U visa is available.

• After five years of waiting, a DACA recipient (who dreams of becoming an immigration lawyer) finally received a decision on her and her parent’s U visa application. They now have a path to citizenship.  

• A Colombian national who fell victim of a serious crime in the United States worked with our legal team for more than five years and finally received notice of his approval for a U Visa. After years of separation, he can begin the process to reunite with his family.  

• TNJFON represented a young U-visa holder in her application for a green card. After the Immigration Service approved her green card application, we asked the Immigration Court to terminate her prior removal order. When the Immigration Court refused, we successfully argued before the Board of Immigration Appeals that the Immigration Court’s denial was erroneous. Now, she is able to enjoy all of the privileges of lawful permanent residence, including the ability to travel outside of the United States. 

Our work isn’t done! Consider making a year-end gift to Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors so we can have more to celebrate in 2021.