Success Stories
The success stories of Step Forward Foundation (SFF) clients are unique, but all too common to immigrants within our communities. We acknowledge that not all people are lucky enough to see the justice that some of our clients have experienced. With that in mind, we would like to shed light on success stories and highlight their experiences that had positive outcomes when people, communities, organizations, and the government work together to advocate for human rights. - Step Forward Foundation
Ricky* is a Mexican man, who was a victim of severe domestic violence, from his U.S. Citizen wife. In 2018, Step Forward Foundation assisted Ricky and applied for the Violence Against Woman Act (VAWA), which also applies to any abused partner, not just women. In 2019, Ricky’s application was approved and he is now a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). In the Fall of 2019, Ricky was able to travel back to Mexico to visit his family for the first time in 20 years. He now participates in support groups for men who have been victims of domestic violence and he refers them to Step Forward Foundation for legal help. He says, "Imagínate lo agradecido que estoy con todos ustedes y principalmente contigo Muchísimas gracias." ["Imagine how thankful I am with all of you guys and especially with you. Thank you very much."]
"Imagínate lo agradecido que estoy con todos ustedes y principalmente contigo Muchísimas gracias." ["Imagine how thankful I am with all of you guys and especially with you. Thank you very much."]
Mayra*, a citizen of Mexico, born in Michoacán fled her country because her family members were slowly being killed or disappeared. In one instance, her family member was hung in front of their home. As more family members began investigating the disappearances and murders, more were being murdered. Mayra was very active and vocal in seeking justice and finding out what happened to her family members. Between 2008 and 2014, her and her husband had to go into hiding because they were being threatened and afraid for their lives. In 2016, her daughter was chased down by a vehicle. In 2019, her husband’s grandchild was murdered. She, her husband, and one of their six daughters fled to the United States. They were all in removal proceedings. In 2020, her husband passed away from COVID, awaiting his day in court. In February 2022, Mayra and her daughter were granted asylum and will work to adjust their status to obtain their green card, when they are eligible to do so.
Mildred* came to Step Forward Foundation (SFF) after years of failed attempts paying and working with attorneys and non-attorneys to obtain Employment Authorization Document (EAD) based on an Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539). Mildred was repeatedly scammed because she did not understand the legal process. Mildred initially attempted to renew her EAD that expired in 2014, but was unsuccessful due to misinformation, limited awareness of resources, and lack of money and financial restraints. She had spent over $3,000 on representation and fees with no results. Mildred was repeatedly told no one could help her because her EAD expired. Mildred had completely given up hope until she contacted SFF six years after receiving her last legal advice. Through the dedication, hard work, and expertise of SFF staff, the client’s issues were resolved with a positive outcome - Mildred obtained her work authorization allowing her to work legally in the United States. Mildred said organizations like ours, “give people like her hope and the fact that we don’t charge makes us true angels.”
“Gives people like her hope and the fact that we don’t charge makes us true angels.”
Danielle* fled Mexico with her two young boys because she witnessed her father-in-law being attacked by gang members in Mexico. The gang members physically abused him; and shot at their family dog. The gang members accused their family of stealing livestocks. After arriving to the United States, she became a single mom of three young children all while fighting the immigration system. Step Forward Foundation was able to obtain asylum status for her and her two young boys.
*All names have been changed to protect our clients’ confidentiality.