Just Neighbors Ministry

Fiscal year 2024 proved to be a very busy year for Just Neighbors, in fact one where we broke many records in terms of number of clients served, number of cases opened, number of countries from which clients hailed (83) and number of callers per month. Last year, our direct legal services helped clients in the following ways: -Enabled immigrant men, women and children who have been victims of crime, such as domestic violence, trafficking, violent crimes, and political/religious persecution to obtain the appropriate immigration status to live free of abuse and violence (Escaping Violence)-Unified families by helping clients obtain lawful permanent residence or petitioning for immediate family members to join them in the U.S. (Family Unification)-Assisted eligible clients to obtain employment authorization in the U.S. (Work Authorization)-Aided at-risk clients with citizenship applications (Citizenship)-Provided expert immigration legal advice and counsel to immigrant families (Advice and Counsel) Direct Legal Services:Just Neighbors staff attorneys oversaw each case, supported by our dedicated volunteers, including volunteer attorneys. In 2024 (7/1/2023 6/30/2024) we helped residents throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC from 83 different countries in conducting 2,337 cases for 1,515 clients of which 91% were eligible for a work permit, permanent legal status, or citizenship. This was a 14% increase for clients in FY2023. Our organizational growth allowed us to help 182 more new individuals than last year. At the same time, we saw a larger number of clients carried over from the previous year who still have pending cases with USCIS/EOIR due to the enormous backlog of cases in the immigration system.