The American Gateways Story
Founded in 1987 as the Political Asylum Project of Austin (PAPA), American Gateways began as a response to the legal needs of the large number of Central American refugees arriving at the Texas border in the 1980s. Like the thousands of others American Gateways has helped through the years, these refugees were fleeing violence and war in their home countries in search of a safe home for themselves and their families.
Now in our 25th year, American Gateways continues to offer high quality, low cost legal services to new immigrants who cannot afford private attorneys. Whether fleeing from civil war in their home country, an abusive spouse in the United States, or the dehumanization of human trafficking - American Gateways is proud of our legacy of offering new immigrants legal pathways to joining our American family.
Imagine having the courage to leave everything you know behind, and begin an uncertain journey to the 
United States. The challenges are enormous. Even with little money and significant language barriers, these new immigrants to the United States hold fast to their belief that America offers the safety they seek. Their perseverance and capacity for hope is inspiring.
Knowledge is power. Through ‘Know-Your-Rights’ presentations and self-help workshops held at churches, neighborhood meetings and detention centers in Central Texas, American Gateways works to give new immigrants the tools they need to be able to navigate our immigration system and advocate for themselves and their families. When immigrants arrive in court well prepared our courts run more smoothly, and the chances that families will be reunited increases.
The immigration process is extremely complex, and striving for equal access for everybody demands a comprehensive approach. In addition to educating immigrants, American Gateways educates law enforcement, the legal community, and other advocates on how to use social and legal resources to uphold the law and make Central Texas a safe place to build a new life.
Who are American Gateways’ Clients?
Coming from across the globe, America Gateways has represented clients from over 75 different countries. When you visit our offices you’ll hear the excited voices of people speaking French, Mandarin, Spanish, and Nepali to name just a few. Here are some of our client’s home countries:
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Columbia, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, England, Ethiopia, Germany, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iran, Jamaica, Kenya, South Korea, Liberia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Tunisia, Turkey, Vietnam and Venezuela.
From a small group of volunteers in 1987 to an award winning non-profit organization with 13 full-time employees, 75 pro bono attorneys, legal interns from across the US, and over 150 volunteers in 2012, American Gateways has grown not only in size but in reputation. Awarded Best Legal Services in Austin in 2002 by the Austin Chronicle for providing high quality legal work to new immigrants, today American Gateways continues to expand programs that serve asylum seekers, victims of human trafficking, women being threatened with deportation by American husbands should she report his abuse, and immigrants from countries that have experienced natural disasters or turmoil.
American Gateways is proud of our work championing new immigrants. Risking everything for a better future - the courage, bravery and determination to find a new home free of persecution - is a reminder of how our own country began.
