Legal representation will be key to ensuring that the Afghan evacuees have the best possible chance to achieve stability in the United States through a grant of asylum and later, lawful permanent residence.

Through his volunteer work at legal clinics in Nashville, new TNJFON staff member Allen King spotted an opportunity to make the intake process more efficient and accessible. Read about his plans for a new online, self-service form for clients to complete an anonymous preliminary screening, from the comfort of their own home and at their own pace.

On September 23, three incredible individuals shared their immigration stories on a live broadcast of Oye Vecino to raise funds for Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors. The panelists shared stories of culture shock, their immigration process, what traditions they have continued and which new traditions they have adopted to make a new home.

Board member Karla MacIntyre has some exciting news: she’s now a registered voter in Tennessee! Karla credits Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors for supporting her immigration journey: “They’ve changed thousands of lives in our state and I want to help contribute to their efforts in any way that I can.”

We’re thrilled to have 3 new interns joining us at Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors: Patrick Flaherty, John Gee and Emily Chang. These Ingram Scholars will be working with us for the Fall semester.

Karla Ruiz is the owner and operator of Karla’s Catering in Nashville, TN. A native of Mexico City, she worked in Nashville restaurant kitchens for 12 years before opening her own business. We feel honored to have Karla join the panel at our Fall fundraiser Oye Vecino LIVE on September 23!

Dr. Alex Jahangir is a professor of orthopaedic surgery and medicine and orthopaedic trauma surgeon, and director of the division of orthopaedic trauma at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. We’re thrilled to have him join us on September 23 for our Fall fundraising event Oye Vecino LIVE.