Success Story: Alejandra
Alejandra’s story is one of resilience and courage, and transformation. An immigrant from Mexico, Alejandra unfortunately became a victim of crime. Like many immigrants, she was too afraid to talk to the police. Luckily, she was introduced to the Center for Legal Immigration Assistance (CLIA) through a recommendation from El Centro de las Américas in 2013.
She recalls meeting Max Graves, CLIA’s former executive director, who immediately began working on her case in 2014. “They were my angels,” Alejandra says of the CLIA team. “They helped me feel better in this country.”
CLIA provided Alejandra with vital legal assistance, mental health support, and interpretation services, ensuring she could understand and navigate the immigration process. Francisca, her interpreter, was not only a translator but also a source of encouragement. “She’s awesome,” Alejandra shares. “She always gave me support, especially with women’s therapy programs.”
Watch this inspiring video about Alejandra’s journey and the VOCA program.
Steps Toward a New Future
Alejandra’s journey through the immigration system wasn’t easy, but CLIA was by her side every step of the way. By 2018, she received her work permit, a milestone that opened the door to new opportunities. In 2021, her path toward residency advanced further, giving her and her family a newfound sense of security.
“I feel more comfortable and safe now,” Alejandra reflects. “I’m not afraid anymore. CLIA gave me the confidence to stay in the United States, pursue my dreams, and build a better future for my family.”
The Vital Role of the VOCA Program
Alejandra’s success is closely tied to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) program, a critical initiative at CLIA funded by the Nebraska Crime Commission. VOCA enables CLIA to offer comprehensive legal and mental health services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and other crimes.
The program empowers clients to rebuild their lives, providing stability through immigration status and mental health support. As Alejandra’s case demonstrates, this holistic approach is transformative. It allows individuals to focus on healing while navigating the often-traumatizing immigration process.
A Community in Need
CLIA’s impact is profound, but the need for our services is ever-growing. Since its founding in 2001, CLIA has assisted over 12,000 clients from 150 countries. Despite this success, demand for the VOCA program far exceeds capacity, with dozens of women currently on a waitlist.
To address this, CLIA aims to expand its programming, creating a dedicated initiative for women. This would provide more focused support, including individual and group therapy, while reducing the legal and emotional burdens faced by survivors of crime.
Thank you!
Alejandra’s gratitude for CLIA is heartfelt. “I’m very thankful to Max Graves, Mary Elizabeth, and everyone at CLIA. They helped me every step of the way,” she says. “I can now work toward a better future for my family and contribute to my community.”
As CLIA continues its mission to provide life-changing support, it relies on the generosity of donors and funders. Every contribution helps create brighter futures for individuals like Alejandra, ensuring they have the resources to thrive in their new lives.
Learn more about CLIA’s programs and support CLIA’s mission today to help build a stronger, safer community for all.
Together, we can make a lasting difference.
