AUSTIN REGION JFON

Description

The National JFON network was started by the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) in 1999 as a response to the passage of one of the harshest immigration laws in history in 1996. Later it also focused on the stricter laws passed in the aftermath of 9/11.

JFON is a network of more than 15 locally funded and managed sites that operate approximately 40 church-based immigration legal clinics serving more than 3,000 low-income clients a year.

JFON sites take on a wide range of immigration cases, including asylum cases for those seeking protection from persecution or even death, survivors of human trafficking who apply for protection, detention cases, and many more. The Justice For Our Neighbors network also leads immigrant communities to better understand their rights and equip faith communities to respond quickly to emerging threats, such as workplace raids or emerging ministry opportunities created by changes in immigration policy or practice.