Mariana used to work the night shifts at a restaurant, tirelessly working to make sure her children had food, clothing, and shelter. But while she was away, Mariana's husband Lorenzo*, the father of their children, would get drunk and sexually assault their nine-year-old son Benito*. Lorenzo threatened Benito not to tell Mariana about the abuse, and she had no idea it was going on until one night she came home early and found Lorenzo abusing Benito.

Lorenzo was arrested, and Mariana was left with the emotional trauma of her son’s abuse as well as bills that she was not able to pay on her own. It was a horribly traumatic time in Mariana and her family's life. Mariana would cry endlessly, at home and at work. “I would see an ambulance, and I would cry.” In addition to her regular expenses, Mariana also found herself responsible for paying months of rent and bills that were owed by Lorenzo; she had no idea how she was going to pay this debt because her job didn't give her enough hours, and she didn't have the legal documents she needed to search for a new job. Finally, she found American Gateways.

American Gateways helped her file for and obtain a U-Visa. Her attorney Natalia “put in all the effort in the world”, and now Mariana has the legal documents she needs to find a better job. She told us, “I only want to thank you all, upon receiving these papers the doors were opened to me. With these papers that you gave me I am taking another step forward. With these papers, I feel more secure, because I know that wherever I go they can give me a job. It is a huge happiness.”

Now, Mariana hopes to study and learn English, to put her children through school, and to find a job that can give her more hours so she can give her children a better life. “I am very happy and thankful... I would be lying if I said my life was the same, it isn't.”

*Name changed

Gabriela continued fighting for what she believed to be right, even as the abuse grew exceedingly cruel. Gabriela divorced her abusive husband and sought protection from the authorities, but her husband, a high-ranking military officer, used his connections to prevent her from receiving help. Still, she remained strong, and formed her own group for women who had been abused by their military spouses and denied police protection; in her opinion, “If you don't accept something, you have to fight for it.” Nevertheless, Gabriela continued to receive threats from her former husband and, fearing for her safety, she finally fled to the United States.

Through a women's shelter in the U.S. where she sought help, Gabriela was put in touch with American Gateways. “I was in the desert, and American Gateways was a Coca Cola”. American Gateways helped her file for asylum, and won. However, the ruling was appealed and the appellation process lasted ten years, but finally Gabriela was granted asylum in the United States. “Thanks be to God that I came to this country that is so beautiful, the best in the world! Long live liberty!... Here, I have rights. There [in my home country], I didn't. The constitution here is the best. It is not perfect, but it is the best that there is.”

Gabriela is so grateful for everything that she received at American Gateways. “Everything that I am is because of American Gateways. God willing that American Gateways helps many more women, because it is so hard... American Gateways is the most formidable [organization] that there is. The pro bono attorneys here are greatly needed... Here, they orient you. They tell you your rights, what you can do. They support you, with these arms [weapons]”. She now wants to study politics and start a shelter for women like her.

*Name changed

Due largely in part to my ethnicity as a Mexican-American, I have always been greatly interested in immigration. My parents decided to move to the United States from Mexico only a couple of years before I was born. Although my parents had a fairly easy time immigrating and becoming citizens, I have personally witnessed the great difficulty and extreme sacrifices others face in navigating our complicated legal system and gaining legal immigration status.

In college and law school I took several classes that only served to spike my interest in the field. These classes shed light on the grave injustices that immigrants often face. I believe that American Gateways is an organization that attempts to correct many of these injustices by providing assistance to individuals who lack representation and a means to assert many of their basic rights. Additionally, the organization helps immigrants by giving them the knowledge and basic tools to help them become stronger self-advocates.

In addition to all these reasons I believe this summer will help me build on my experiences thus far and allow me to return for my final year of law school more able to understand the practical application of the law that I am learning in my courses.

I came to American Gateways expecting more of the same. I grew up in Houston immersed in immigrant communities, and studied issues of migration extensively while in college. I applied for an internship at American Gateways because of my desire to spend the summer working close to home, and because of my desire to work in some sort of public-interest job. What I had really wanted, though, was a job concerned with rights more broadly, either human or civil rights. I did not wish to become pigeon-holed into working forever with migration. 

All my expectations have now been blown away. Working here is an amazing experience. For the people whose cases American Gateways has the resources to take, we become an integral part of their lives. It can seem as if a client's life is being thrown around at the whim of some larger-than-life forces, until American Gateways is able to provide some stable ground upon which the client can stand. Even if the case is ultimately denied, I feel as if the moral support itself is invaluable to our clients. And fortunately, American Gateways wins the vast majority of its clients’ cases.

The real sad part, though, is understanding first-hand how many excellent cases for asylum, for relief from domestic violence, human trafficking, and for victims of various other crimes and circumstances, have to be turned away. The organization simply does not have the resources to represent all the deserving people who have never been represented before, or have been misrepresented and defrauded by people who take advantage of them. In spite of it all, or perhaps because of it, working with the people we are able to represent has been, and continues to be, perhaps the most powerful experience of my life.

Jost Lunstroth, from the University of Michigan Law School, is one of 3 summer law clerks at American Gateways.

Iveth was in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship, too terrified to leave her husband, a US citizen, because she was afraid her immigration status would be revoked. But she summoned the courage to leave him and sought out therapy and shelter through SafePlace.

Through SafePlace, Iveth was put in touch with American Gateways and one of our attorneys, Natalia Drelichman. Iveth found out that she could petition for a visa based on the abuse she suffered through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). American Gateways helped her fill out a mountain of complex paperwork, prepare for the interview, and provided representation for her.

We were delighted when Iveth received her authorization to work in the US and later her legal permanent resident status. Now she is able to freely pursue her dream of becoming a dentist, apply for financial aid, obtain a drivers license, and travel to see her family in her home nation without fear of being deported.

Iveth is profoundly grateful for the help she received here at American Gateways and we are proud to have assisted her in transitioning away from a life of fear and abuse and towards a life of pursuing the American Dream.

I have just finished my third year at the University of Texas, and was searching for an internship for the summer where I could practice my Spanish because I am interested in becoming a court interpreter after I graduate. I stumbled upon American Gateways and as I researched more into the organization I fell in love with it because of its focus helping immigrants in need.

My compassion for the immigrant community began with a couple trips to Ciudad Juárez in 2005 and 2006. I saw people living in extreme poverty, yearning for a better life, and willing and determined to work hard to achieve their dreams. Since then I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Juárez and its people.

As I continued studying Spanish (and later Portuguese) over the years, I learned much about not only the language but also the culture and societal conditions in much of Latin America. I have heard heart-wrenching stories of violence, oppression, and poverty. I have made friends of an international community who have shared their immigration stories with me. My roommate is a second generation American whose parents came to the United States fleeing civil war in their country.

All of these experiences and relationships have given me a desire to help people who no one else will. American Gateways does exactly that. They help people with no other options, and I am excited and proud to be a part of that. I am eager to not only help the immigrant community, but to educate the Austin and Central Texas community about immigration issues and immigrants.

At the Metropolitan Breakfast Club, Oliver Bernstein and Edna Yang (center) of American Gateways appear with Corrie MacLaggan (left) and Mike O'Krent (right). Photo courtesy of www.jamesfbland.com

We encourage community groups, service clubs, student and neighborhood groups and others to invite American Gateways to come speak about immigration issues, even if your group meets at 6:30 in the morning! 

We work hard to dispel myths and misconceptions about immigrants and immigration.  Contact us to request a speaker.

Learn more about American Gateways' work on behalf of immigrants in Central Texas.

Pro-Bono Attorney Jackie Watson joined American Gateways because of her experience around an immigrant community.

“I’m from South Texas and grew up on both sides of the border.”

She originally joined American Gateways as a staff attorney as soon as she graduated from the U.T. Law School. Now, she works at the Law Offices of Thomas Esparza and regularly volunteers to help American Gateways’ clients.

“I can’t leave! It made me the attorney I am today.”

Many volunteers recall going through the immigration process, themselves.

“I came as a student in 1997 when a civil war broke out [in the Congo],” recalls volunteer, Melanie Otemoyolo.

She received asylum in 1999, but still had to wait to bring her family to America. She didn’t know whether her three children and husband were alive. Otemoyelo remembers finally seeing them come to the U.S. after several years.

“My youngest daughter didn’t remember me! That was the hardest part.” She has been a volunteer translator for more than three years.

Pro-Bono Coordinator and Staff Attorney Natalie Hansen remembers going to school and passing migrant workers every day in her farming community in Oregon. Oregon has a large berry industry which relies heavily on migrant workers. She became interested in immigration and studied law in Seattle, after which she moved to Austin. She wanted to work in an interesting, diverse city, serving those who need her expertise the most. Hansen mainly matches pro-bono attorneys with clients, but she also helps with outreach.

“I really want to see more of the non-immigrant community understand immigrant groups,” she says.

Whatever the reason for becoming a part of American Gateways, the volunteers made a huge impact on the lives of abused women, terrified refugees, and others who simply want a better future. They provided more than 5,000 hours of representation, translation and support. Despite a slowing economy and reduction in government funding, American Gateways provided services to 58% more people last year than in 2009. After more than twenty years, American Gateways continues to represent an often overlooked and feared segment of our community.

This story was written by Sonia Jacob, American Gateways volunteer.



Oliver Bernstein (3nd from right) with current and former board members and volunteers.

Oliver, you're our board president.  Why are you reaching out to former board members of American Gateways and PAPA*?

We want to thank former board members for building the foundation for this successful organization. It took a dedicated group of volunteers to get American Gateways started, and the tens of thousands of immigrants and refugees that we serve owe our longevity to our early leadership.

What legacies have earlier boards of directors left for the current board?

Board members at American Gateways don't just serve their terms and then disappear; they become part of a family. Each board member keeps with them their passion for ensuring access to justice for immigrants and refugees, sharing it with friends and colleagues, bringing more support and awareness to the critical work we do.

What do former board members and other who were involved with us in the past need to know about American Gateways today?

American Gateways maintains the commitment to justice that got all of us involved in the first place. But we have also grown and evolved to serve even more people in need and to provide a wider variety of services as the immigration landscape has changed. When we started as PAPA in 1987, we really were focused on political asylum cases, were focused in Austin and had a grassroots, "project" feel. The spirit is still here, but we now champion immigrant clients across Central Texas with a variety of needs, including domestic violence victims, trafficking victims, detainees and clients on their path to citizenship.

What can former board members, and members of our community, do to in the years to come in order to help secure justice for immigrants in our area, and to help American Gateways remain a strong service provider?

We all need to educate ourselves and correct misperceptions about immigrants and refugees. Learning more about immigration from experts like the staff members at American Gateways helps us to understand our community. We welcome volunteers, pro bono attorneys and others who seek a more welcoming America where newcomers can receive quality legal representation. And we run on financial support from the community and appreciate our new and long-time donors.

One day you'll be a former board member - no doubt many years from now. Will the U.S. achieve justice for immigrants by our 50th anniversary in 2037, or will immigrants still be in need of services from groups like American Gateways?

In many ways American Gateways fills in the gaps in our immigration system, helping people who are left in detention centers without recourse or victims of domestic violence who need to get away from their abusers. We will continue to support immigrants and refugees years into the future, because America has always been a country of immigrants. As a board of directors, we try to monitor the latest developments on immigration policy and make sure we adapt the organization to best serve our clients. We hope that conditions for immigrants improve substantially over the next 50 years, but either way, we hope to still be here, serving as many people as we can.

*American Gateways was known as PAPA, the Political Asylum Project of Austin, from 1987 until 2008.

• “We are forever grateful for the help we received! We look forward to the future in this great country where you gave us the possibility to establish our new life in liberty!”

•  “For me, all of you are fantastic people! Angels sent by God to liberate us from anguish! Thank God!”

• “Everyone who works here is excellent and thank you very very much for the help and information you offered me!”

• “I found my lawyer to be very helpful, smart, and communicative! Great work! I am very appreciative!”

• “I thank you with all of my heart for the help you gave me! If I was not so lucky to be offered your services, I would be in a very bad situation right now!”

• “I never thought that my 10 years of domestic abuse by my husband would one day have a happy ending! Thank you to all of you for your help and time!  Now nobody hits me, nobody violates me and my right to live freely. I am a new woman with many goals for the future, I want to learn, and all of this is because of this organization!”

Receive our thanks by getting involved today.  Thank you!