OUR IMPACT
Studies have shown that immigration can have a positive effect on a country’s economic growth and productivity, innovation, education, and more. Immigrants help grow the economy by filling labor needs, purchasing goods and paying taxes. When more people work, productivity increases. And as an increasing number of Americans retire in coming years, immigrants will help fill labor demand and maintain the social safety net.
PEOPLE WE'VE HELPED
Javier was 15 years old when he came to ILS as a special immigrant juvenile that was seeking help and to be reunited with his brother. Javier's dad is in prison for killing his mother and brother live in Utah. Javier came across the border seeking guardianship and SIJ status that would allow him to live with his brother and go to school. He has since graduated from high school and serves in the US military.
Maria received help for her asylum claim. She comes from Venezuela and was seeking asylum for herself and her family as they were victims of violence for having supported the minority political opponent. She won her asylum case and her children now reside safely in the United States where they go to school.
Bianca, her husband and two children came to America after being threatened by an extremist militant group in her country. Her job in her country put her in danger after she was required to testify in court. The militant arm started stalking her and her family. She knew they were not safe. She left and came to the United States seeking refuge where she was able to apply for affirmative asylum.
Johnny and Sophia are two children that had been taken into custody by DCFS. Their father was an extremely violent man that was involved in gangs and drugs and is now in prison in Mexico. Their mother was an addict and chronically homeless. Their grandmother took over their care. ILS handled their special immigrant juvenile case in cooperation with DCFS to give the children permanent status. Their case is filed and pending with USCIS.