JOIN US FOR
"With Arms Wide Open"
American Gateways 5th Annual Gala, June 5, 2012
Returning to the Long Center for the Performing Arts, this year's Gala promises to be spectacular! Get your sponsorships and tickets HERE. Don't miss out -tickets are selling quickly! Call Elizabeth Hartman at 512-279-0879 for details.

EXCITING NEWS!
American Gateways Announces New Executive Director    (Jan. 25, 2012)

Austin, TX - Elizabeth Hartman, who served as chief of staff and campaign manager to former state representative Valinda Bolton, has been named executive director of American Gateways, a 25-year old non-profit that offers high quality, low cost legal services to new immigrants who cannot afford private attorneys.

Elizabeth is highly regarded in the Austin community. With more than 10 years experience creating and implementing strategic long-range plans in both political and private arenas, Elizabeth is well positioned to build on American Gateways' past successes and grow its exposure to a broader segment of the Central Texas community.

"Elizabeth is smart, organized, tenacious and her enthusiasm is contagious. We are confident that she has the perfect blend of skills and personality to be an outstanding ambassador for American Gateways," said American Gateways Board President Tara Menchaca.

Whether fleeing from civil war in their home country, escaping from an abusive spouse in the United States, or suffering the dehumanization of human trafficking - new immigrants know that American Gateways offers them legal pathways to joining our American family.

"Listening to the stories of our international clients - the hardships, uncertainties, and terror they've faced - and then seeing the bravery and resilience they exhibit, is absolutely inspiring," said Hartman. "Their determination to find a new home free of persecution is a reminder to us all of how our own country began."

 "I'm honored to be part of the American Gateways team," said Hartman. "Our staff attorneys, accredited representatives, caseworkers, and volunteer pro bono attorneys do an amazing job."

Hartman has lived in Austin for 28 years. Prior to joining American Gateways as Executive Director, she was a veteran of multiple campaigns - most notably she led four successful campaigns for Valinda Bolton. Hartman also served four years as Chief of Staff for State Representative Valinda Bolton in the Texas Capitol.

"Elizabeth has hit the ground running," said American Gateways General Counsel Edna Yang. "She has a reputation for excellence, and we're excited to have her leadership."

One of Hartman's first priorities will be the American Gateways Annual Gala, slated for June 5 at the Long Center. Sponsorships are now available.

For more information visit www.americangateways.org

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HAPPENINGS

Congratulations and Farwell (July 27, 2011)
Thanks to Chez Zee, we had a wonderful evening on Wednesday, July 27th celebrating Chris Jimmerson and all that he has done for American Gateways! The night was a huge success and we would like to thank Chez Zee and all of our sponsors for making it possible. Please click here to take a look at a few pictures from the night!

Awards & Gala Photos 
View photos from our Annual Gala and the Pro Bono Awards - Click Here!
Admire our Pro Bono Awards Winners and Finalists - Click Here!
View our list of gala sponsors and in kind donors - Click here!

American Gateways to Release 2010 Annual Report (February 15, 2011)

Texas Access to Justice Commission ( October 22, 2010)
Video highlights pro bono involvement by Texas attorneys, the importance that legal aid organizations like American Gateways receive legal aid funding and expanded support from pro bono attorneys and law firms. View the video online here. Read the pro bono issue of the LegalFront newsletter here.

American Gateways Spotlights Teresa Villasenor Harris (October 1, 2010)
Teresa Villasenor Harris of The Fowler Law Firm has received the Ohtli Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the Mexican government outside of Mexico itself. The award was presented on September 14th at a reception hosted by Mexican Consul General Rosalba Ojeda. Ms. Harris was recognized for her work providing free legal services and assistance to Mexican immigrants and their children. Read more in the Austin American-Statesman. Thanks in part to Ms. Harris's work at the Fowler Law Firm, the firm has also been recognized with the 2010 W. Frank Newton Award for pro bono legal servcies and the 2009 Travis County Women Lawyers Assocaition Top Pro Bono Law Firm award, among others.

We congratulate Ms. Harris and The Fowler Law Firm, and encourage attorneys in our area to volunteer as a pro bono attorney with American Gateways.

Major Donor Appreciation Reception    (September 30, 2010)
View event photos.

Largest annual gala ever!    (June 2, 2010)
View event photos. View event sponsors. February 17, 2010. American Gateways is looking for a few good volunteers! Please review our volunteer opportunities and consider getting involved. Click here for a listing of current volunteer opportunities.

The Board of Directors announced the 2010 American Gateways Annual Gala    (January 27, 2010)
Save the Date:
Wednesday evening, June 2nd The Long Center for the Performing Arts
Click here for more information.

Temporary Protected Status Declared for Haitians in Texas    (January 19, 2010)
American Gateways applauds last week’s announcement by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano that Haitians in the United States are granted Temporary Protected Status following the devastating earthquake, and we are ramping up efforts to meet the needs of Haitians in Central and South Texas. American Gateways Is ramping up to meet the need.

“We are ready to assist Haitians living in Central and South Texas with applying for Temporary Protected Status,” said Chris Jimmerson, Executive Director of American Gateways. “Our job is to provide legal services to immigrants fleeing violence and oppression, including Haitians who are eligible to file for TPS,” he added.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is an immigration status given by the U.S. Customs Information Service (USCIS) to people from nations that are currently experiencing severe crises. In addition to Haitians, currently El Salvadorans, Hondurans, Nicaraguans, Sudanese and Somalis are eligible for TPS status. Rather than being deported to Haiti in the wake of an earthquake which killed as many as 200,000 people, Haitians are eligible to stay in the United States for the next 18 months.

“Individuals wanting American Gateways’ help should visit our offices between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays,” said Edna Yang, American Gateways General Counsel. American Gateways is located at 314 East Highland Mall Boulevard, Suite 501, in Austin.

American Gateways serves thousands of immigrants each year. We have served and continue to serve a number of Haitians in Central and South Texas. In order to receive TPS, Haitians must have been in the United States before January 12th, and must meet the eligibility criteria for TPS. American Gateways is able to assist Haitians with completing and filing the necessary forms and documents. These services are available to Haitians and offered on a low fee basis for those with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level. Waivers are available for hardship cases. Fundraising efforts are planned in order to offer this service at no charge to Haitians who are in Texas. Additionally, USCIS fee waivers may be available from USCIS in order to offset USCIS filing fees. Ameican Gateways' Clients from Haiti.

The Department of Homeland Security grants Temporary Protected Status to Haitians January 15, 2009.
Haitians living in the United States, following the earthquake in Haiti earlier this week have been granted protected status. Here is the statement from DHS.

American Gateways announces open house and volunteer reception    (January 12, 2009)
On February 9th, 2009 American Gateways will hold a a reception to honor volunteer efforts and welcome the community. For more information, please email info@americangateways.org.

The all new www.americangateways.org goes live!    (December 2009)