Knitting Gratitude into Stars and Stripes: The story of a MILA client

Though Josefina had lived in the United States for over 25 years, she was not yet a citizen.

Personal, unsafe circumstances kept her stuck in her home, barriers between her and the opportunity to pursue work and community, let alone citizenship.

Thanks to a referral from a dear friend, Josefina reached out to our Immigrant Legal Aid team. They were not only able to empower her to leave her insecure situation, but they also gave her the tools and support to become a U.S. citizen.

Now Josefina has a job, her own home, and peace of mind. She plans to visit her children in the Philippines for the first time in over a decade.

Josefina, like many others, came to the U.S. to build a new home and instead lived a life of fear and limits. Rooted in Opportunity, our MILA department offers the necessary care, support and the information to empower immigrants to live freely and fully. We seek stability for individuals and families in their lives in the United States, while helping them maintain and celebrate their cultural identity.