Immigration Law & Justice Michigan is committed to providing free and low-cost legal services to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. As the new presidential administration begins, here are ways you can help them in their justice work.

JULIE A. POWERS
Executive Director, Immigration Law & Justice Michigan

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Like John Wesley and other inspirational leaders, Dr. King spoke out that we must serve and advocate for social justice, acting individually and with others. Calling out injustice and working toward a more equitable future is rarely comfortable, sometimes unsafe, and always difficult. However, the work is fulfilling and inspiring. When we can share in the joy of a family reunited or celebrate that another child is in a safe and loving home, that’s why we do what we do.

The Immigration Law & Justice Michigan team, formerly Justice for Our Neighbors Michigan, is grateful for generous support from the entire United Methodist family, from our donors to our volunteers to our home churches. We are blessed to have four United Methodist churches providing office space and fantastic hospitality to our staff and clients: Dearborn: First UMC, Grand Rapids: First UMC, Kalamazoo: First UMC, and Traverse City: Central UMC.

In 2024, our dedicated legal staff tirelessly advocated for our clients as they navigated the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. My team worked on 1,500 cases last year, the most ever for our small yet mighty organization.

But there is a long waiting list of people who need our help. By supporting us financially, you can help us do this important work for immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and unaccompanied refugee children. We’re an EngageMI Ministry Partner, so you can give that way (CCMM#3013), or you can donate directly through our website (click here to donate).

As we reflect on the past year with gratitude, we also look ahead to the future — one that is filled with uncertainty and fear for our immigrant and refugee neighbors. The incoming presidential administration has made bold statements about mass deportation, family separation, rollbacks of visa programs that are vital to Michigan’s economy, and even the denaturalization of U.S. citizens. We are fielding hundreds of calls and messages from anxious clients, community partners, United Methodist churches, and the media.

Let me be clear: No matter what policies and changes are implemented, we are fully committed to the work God has called us to do. We stand with our immigrant and refugee neighbors. We will continue to assist them as they seek to understand their choices and navigate the complexities and barriers of the U.S. immigration legal system.

As we consider possible changes to current immigration law and determine what they mean for our clients, we invite our United Methodist family to help us in several practical ways, in addition to the spiritual support you already graciously give.

Volunteer Opportunities

• • Volunteer Translators: We are recruiting bilingual and multilingual translators who can translate for clients in several languages. The most requested languages are Spanish, Arabic, Somali, Pashto, Dari, Burmese, Kirundi, French, Sango, Tigrinya, Amharic, Malay, Ukrainian, and Swahili. Click here to complete a volunteer interest form.
  • Clinic Volunteers: We need a few people who can staff our monthly legal services clinics, working with our small staff to make these gatherings welcoming and effective. Volunteers are needed at all four offices: Grand Rapids, Dearborn, Kalamazoo, and Traverse City. Click here to complete a volunteer interest form.
  • Volunteer Attorneys: ILJ Michigan is recruiting attorneys who are barred in Michigan to provide pro bono assistance, under the supervision of either a staff attorney or a Department of Justice representative, to assist clients with completing required paperwork. Volunteers must be able to work independently and communicate with clients with compassion and clarity. Click here to complete a volunteer interest form.

Service Opportunities

• • Board Members: ILJ Michigan is accepting applications for prospective board members. Strong candidates include people with a family immigration story or professional experience with immigration, or previous experience working for a nonprofit organization. Our board works remotely, gathering once per year for in-person fellowship. Interested candidates should email me at [email protected] with a resume or curriculum vitae (CV, if available), along with a brief statement of interest.
  • Event Ambassadors: Do you have a few hours a year to volunteer? ILJ Michigan may have an opportunity for you to be part of our work. We are regularly invited to have a table at community events or to offer brief remarks at community gatherings. Our trusted volunteers would represent us at these events, sharing our educational materials and telling people about our work. Involvement would include a quarterly briefing call or email, and each volunteer will agree to cover one or two events per year. Email me at [email protected] if you are interested in becoming an ILJ-MI ambassador.

“True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

As we celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., let us remember that our faith calls us to work for justice, equity, and love for all people, especially the most vulnerable. Supporting nonprofit immigration legal services is one powerful way to live out this calling. Together, we can build a more just and compassionate society.

Immigration Law & Justice, formerly Justice for Our Neighbors Michigan, is an EngageMI Ministry Partner (CCMM#3013). The Michigan Conference has supported them from their inception 20 years ago. Click here to learn more about their recent anniversary celebration.

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Last Updated on January 14, 2025