• Donate | Donar
  • Members | Miembros
  • Work Permits | Permisos de trabajo
  • Help | Ayuda
  • About | Sobre
  • Policy Priorities | Prioridades de política
  • Jobs and Internships
  • Press

Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP)

  • About
    • Mission and Values
    • Our Staff
    • Our Board
    • Jobs and Internships
    • Get Newsletter
    • ASAP Membership
  • Media
    • Press
    • Press Releases
    • Policy Priorities
    • Policy Actions
    • Resources for Attorneys
  • Work Permits
    • Common Work Permit Questions
    • How to Apply for a Work Permit
    • The CASA Lawsuit
    • The Tony N. Lawsuit
    • Become a Member
  • Members
    • Become A Member
    • Check Membership Status
    • View Membership Card
    • Questions About ASAP Membership
  • Help | Ayuda
    • Recursos en Español
    • Resources in English
  • Donate

ASAP Member Spotlight: Wendi

June 30, 2022

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Wendi, a single mother seeking asylum from Guatemala, played a central role in ASAP’s CASA v. Mayorkas lawsuit that led to over 150,000 asylum seekers being able to work legally and get a Social Security number. Having a work permit in the United States unlocks access to driver’s licenses, health insurance, and other critical resources.

When Wendi arrived in the United States in 2019, she said “a friend told me to join one of ASAP’s online communities that help asylum seekers.” On the friend’s advice, Wendi joined ASAP and began connecting with other asylum-seeking mothers online. Wendi said, “I saw other women share their stories and give advice, and I learned from ASAP about all the policies that were changing for asylum seekers.”

In the summer of 2020, the Trump administration introduced new policies to make it nearly impossible for asylum seekers to work legally in the United States. These new policies were standing in Wendi’s way of getting her work permit.

With two small children to care for, including an infant born in the United States, Wendi felt anxious. She began to wonder how she could possibly focus on her asylum case when she had to figure out how to pay for rent, groceries, and basic necessities. Like Wendi, there were thousands of other asylum seekers struggling to support their families who needed to work legally.

Wendi was one of 5,000 ASAP members at the time, who decided together to sue the federal government and let asylum seekers work. But for the lawsuit to succeed, an ASAP member had to publicly share their story and submit a declaration with the court. Wendi was that member.

“I volunteered because I understood the importance of the lawsuit,” she said.

Wendi worked with ASAP attorneys to tell her story to the court and explain how these new restrictions left her without a path to safety and stability. The whole time, she said, she was worried about her family: “I’m a single mother. All I was thinking about was how to get resources to support my children. Where could I get money from if I couldn’t work?”

In September 2020, the judge in the CASA v. Mayorkas lawsuit decided that the Trump administration’s policies could move forward for everyone except members of ASAP or CASA de Maryland, one of ASAP’s partner organizations on the lawsuit. That decision meant Wendi could get her work permit!

“When I found out, I felt so happy,” said Wendi. “Not just for myself, but for all other parents and immigrants in the same situation. I understand how difficult it is not to be able to work and provide for your family.”

Once the word got out that asylum seekers could get their work permits if they joined ASAP, thousands of asylum seekers reached out saying they wanted to join. ASAP’s members decided that ASAP should admit as many asylum seekers as possible, even if it meant fewer resources for the original 5,000 members.

Today, Wendi has a work permit, a Social Security number, and a job that allows her to support her growing children. ASAP’s community has grown, since the lawsuit, to almost 350,000 asylum seekers, living in all 50 states, from nearly every country in the world. And thanks to the work Wendi and thousands of ASAP members did to make the CASA v. Mayorkas lawsuit successful, over 150,000 asylum seekers have been able to work legally and support their families.

“I feel so happy,” Wendi says. “Because I know that this effort was greater than just me.”

Aprenda Más Sobre Wendi: Miembro de ASAP

30 de junio de 2022

ENGLISH ABOVE. Wendi, una madre soltera de Guatemala quien pidió asilo, tuvo un papel clave en la demanda de ASAP llamada CASA v. Mayorkas que dejó que más de 150,000 solicitantes de asilo pudieran trabajar legalmente y obtener un número de Seguro Social. Tener un permiso de trabajo en los Estados Unidos le permite a uno obtener una licencia de conducir, seguro médico, y otros recursos críticos.

Cuando Wendi llegó a los Estados Unidos en el 2019, ella nos explicó: “Una amiga me dijo que me uniera a una de las comunidades virtuales de ASAP que ayudan a los solicitantes de asilo”. Siguiendo el consejo de su amiga, Wendi se unió a ASAP y comenzó a conocer a otras madres que también estaban en el proceso de solicitar asilo. Wendi nos dijo: “Vi a otras mujeres compartiendo sus historias y dando consejos en el grupo, y aprendí de ASAP sobre todas las políticas que estaban cambiando para los solicitantes de asilo”.

En el verano de 2020, la administración de Trump introdujo nuevas políticas que hicieron casi imposible que los solicitantes de asilo trabajen legalmente en los Estados Unidos. Estas nuevas políticas estaban dificultando el proceso para Wendi de obtener su permiso de trabajo

Con dos niños pequeños que cuidar, incluyendo un bebé nacido en los Estados Unidos, Wendi se sentía ansiosa. Ella no sabía cómo iba poder concentrarse en su caso de asilo cuando también tenía que concentrarse en cómo pagar su alquiler, la comida y las necesidades básicas. Al igual que Wendi, habian miles de solicitantes de asilo que luchaban por mantener a sus familias y que necesitaban trabajar legalmente.

Wendi era una de los 5,000 miembros de ASAP en ese momento, quienes decidieron juntas que iban a demandar al gobierno federal para detener a la administración de Trump y dejar trabajar a los solicitantes de asilo. Pero para que la demanda funcionara, un miembro de ASAP tenía que compartir públicamente su historia y presentar una declaración ante el tribunal. Wendi decidió ser ese miembro.

“Me ofrecí como voluntaria porque entendí la importancia de la demanda”, dijo Wendi.

Wendi trabajó con los abogados de ASAP y explicó cómo estas nuevas restricciones la habían dejado sin un camino hacia la seguridad y la estabilidad. Wendi nos contó que todo el tiempo ella se sentía preocupada por su familia: “Soy madre soltera. Todo lo que estaba pensando era en cómo obtener recursos para mantener a mis hijos. ¿De dónde iba a sacar dinero si no podía trabajar?”.

En septiembre de 2020, la jueza en la demanda CASA v. Mayorkas decidió que las políticas de la administración de Trump podían avanzar e impactar a todos menos los miembros de ASAP o CASA de Maryland, otra organización participando junto a ASAP en la demanda. ¡Esa decisión significó que Wendi podría obtener su permiso de trabajo!

“Cuando escuché la noticia, me sentí muy feliz”, dijo Wendi. “No solo para mí, sino para todos los demás padres e inmigrantes en la misma situación. Entiendo lo difícil que es no poder trabajar y mantener a su familia”.

Cuando otras personas escucharon la noticia de que los solicitantes de asilo podrían obtener sus permisos de trabajo si se unían a ASAP, miles de solicitantes de asilo pidieron unirse a ASAP. Los miembros de ASAP decidieron que ASAP debería admitir a tantos solicitantes de asilo como sea posible, incluso si eso significaba menos recursos para los 5000 miembros originales.

Hoy, Wendi tiene un permiso de trabajo, un número de Seguro Social y un trabajo que le permite mantener a sus hijos. La comunidad de ASAP ha crecido, desde la demanda, a casi 350.000 solicitantes de asilo, que viven en todos los 50 estados y territorios del país.

Y gracias al trabajo que Wendi y miles de miembros de ASAP hicieron para que la demanda CASA v. Mayorkas fuera exitosa, más de 150,000 solicitantes de asilo han podido trabajar legalmente y mantener a sus familias.

“Me siento tan feliz”, dice Wendi. “Porque sé que este esfuerzo fue más que solo yo”.


Latest News

ASAP Reaches 350,000 Members!

Janis Jin   July 12, 2022

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Dear ASAP members, ASAP has reached 350,000 members! We are so excited to share this news with you….
Read More

ASAP Member Spotlight: Wendi

Veronica Fernandez-Diaz   June 30, 2022

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Wendi, a single mother seeking asylum from Guatemala, played a central role in ASAP’s CASA v. Mayorkas lawsuit…
Read More

34,000 Members’ Ideas for Change

Janis Jin   May 2, 2022

ESPAÑOL ABAJO.  Dear ASAP Members, When you applied to become an ASAP member, we asked you: What is one thing…
Read More

The CASA Lawsuit

Janis Jin   May 1, 2022

ESPAÑOL ABAJO.  WORK PERMITS MAIN PAGE HERE. July 2022 Update: In February 2022, a judge ruled that the Trump administration’s…
Read More

ASAP Staff Spotlight: Emeizmi

Veronica Fernandez-Diaz   May 1, 2022

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. We are so excited to spotlight Emeizmi Mandagi! Born in Jakarta, Indonesia, Emeizmi immigrated to the United States with…
Read More

ASAP Members Win Work Permit Reforms

Dorothy Tegeler   April 14, 2022

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. May 4, 2022 update for ASAP members: Great news! Work permits for many asylum seekers are now valid…
Read More

ASAP Staff Recognized with Fellowships

Dorothy Tegeler   April 8, 2022

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. We are so excited to announce that several staff members of the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) have…
Read More

ASAP Seeks Justice for Separated Families

Ming Tanigawa-Lau   January 26, 2022

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. In the summer of 2018, members of the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) were appalled to learn that…
Read More

150,000 Members Receive Work Permits

Dorothy Tegeler   December 11, 2021

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. In the past year, over 150,000 asylum seekers have received their work permits and Social Security numbers since…
Read More

ASAP Staff Spotlight: Ngan

Ming Tanigawa-Lau   October 22, 2021

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. We are so excited to spotlight Ngan Tran, ASAP’s Software Engineer! Ngan joined the ASAP team in 2021…
Read More

ASAP Comments on Asylum Proposal

Veronica Fernandez-Diaz   October 20, 2021

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Recently, the U.S. government proposed several changes to the asylum system — some good, and some bad. On…
Read More

ASAP Staff Spotlight: Leidy

Veronica Fernandez-Diaz   October 15, 2021

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. We are excited to spotlight Leidy Perez-Davis, ASAP’s Policy Director! When Leidy was six years old, she moved…
Read More

Members Speak About Renewal Delays

Veronica Fernandez-Diaz   October 1, 2021

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. ASAP members are speaking out against the long delays in processing of their renewal work permit applications and…
Read More

Common Questions about Work Permits

Janis Jin   September 29, 2021

ESPAÑOL ABAJO.  WORK PERMITS MAIN PAGE HERE. February 2022 Update: Good news! On February 7, 2022, a judge ruled that…
Read More

Families Meet With Sec. Mayorkas

Veronica Fernandez-Diaz   August 31, 2021

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. On Friday, August 20, the Secretary of Homeland Security, who oversees ICE and Border Patrol, met face-to-face with…
Read More

ASAP Reaches 150,000 Members

Veronica Fernandez-Diaz   August 30, 2021

ESPAÑOL ABAJO.  Dear ASAP members, ASAP has reached 150,000 members! We are so excited to share this achievement with you….
Read More

Members Access ASAP Resources

Veronica Fernandez-Diaz   June 30, 2021

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Over the last quarter, the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) has shared critical immigration resources with tens of…
Read More

Members Fight Family Separation

Dorothy Tegeler   June 1, 2021

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. In the summer of 2018, ASAP members chose to devote ASAP’s resources and advocacy efforts to supporting separated…
Read More

Members Propose Changes to USCIS

Dorothy Tegeler   June 1, 2021

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. In April of 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (a government agency also known as “USCIS” that decides…
Read More

Bill Would Help Separated Families

Veronica Fernandez-Diaz   April 28, 2021

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. ASAP is proud to support the Families Belong Together Act (H.R. 2766,  S.1375), sponsored by Senator Blumenthal and…
Read More

Members Fight Work Permit Delays

Janis Jin   March 31, 2021

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. This quarter, thousands of ASAP members successfully defended their ability to work legally in the U.S.!  Thanks to…
Read More

ASAP Reaches 75,000 Members

Janis Jin   March 24, 2021

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. We are excited to share that the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) now has 75,000 members! We have…
Read More

W.L. Receives Her Work Permit

Janis Jin   January 12, 2021

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. ASAP member W.L., whose advocacy played a critical role in the lawsuit CASA v. Wolf, has received her…
Read More

Judge Blocks New Asylum Rule

Janis Jin   January 11, 2021

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. BREAKING NEWS: On January 8, 2021, a federal judge decided that the government cannot change the asylum process…
Read More

ASAP Staff Spotlight: Anne

Janis Jin   December 15, 2020

ESPAÑOL ABAJO.  We are excited to spotlight Anne Recinos, Co-Legal Director at the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP). Anne is…
Read More

ASAP Grows Membership

Janis Jin   September 9, 2020

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. We are excited to share updates about how the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) has grown in response…
Read More

Summer Reflections

Janis Jin   September 9, 2020

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. This summer ASAP was lucky to host legal interns Andrea Barrientos and Daniel Ocampo and legal fellow Clare…
Read More

Sullivan’s Photo Story

Janis Jin   August 26, 2020

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. We are excited to share a photo story from Sullivan, a member of the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project…
Read More

Work Permits for Non-ASAP Members

Dorothy Tegeler   August 25, 2020

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Last updated on September 14, 2020. ASAP is currently challenging two new rules designed to prevent many asylum…
Read More

ASAP Fights Biased Courts

Janis Jin   August 24, 2020

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. ASAP’s federal lawsuit challenging bias in the immigration court system will move forward, thanks to the recent ruling…
Read More

New Asylum Application Toolkit

Janis Jin   July 31, 2020

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) has released a new toolkit for advocates to help asylum seekers prepare…
Read More

270 Damages Cases Placed

Janis Jin   June 20, 2020

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. ASAP connected over 270 asylum seekers with pro bono attorneys to help them file monetary damages claims against…
Read More

Challenges During COVID-19

Janis Jin   June 18, 2020

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. For asylum seekers like Katherine, COVID-19 has made our immigration system even harder. Katherine was pregnant with twins…
Read More

Eleven New Infographics

Janis Jin   June 17, 2020

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. ASAP has released 11 new infographics on the asylum process in Spanish! On topics ranging from how to check…
Read More

ASAP Staff Spotlight: Dennise

Janis Jin   June 16, 2020

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. We are excited to highlight Dennise Moreno, one of our newest staff attorneys in ASAP’s Legal Emergency Department….
Read More

Remote Trainings During COVID-19

Janis Jin   June 10, 2020

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) has facilitated remote legal aid trainings for hundreds of attorneys and advocates…
Read More

COVID-19 Resources

Dorothy Tegeler   April 9, 2020

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Over the past several weeks, Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) staff have been working to share information and…
Read More

Mom Takes Control of Her Case

Dorothy Tegeler   April 7, 2020

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Alejandra got her asylum case on track after joining one of ASAP’s online communities and accessing our resources…
Read More

How to provide legal aid remotely

Dorothy Tegeler   March 26, 2020

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. During these turbulent times, ASAP is continuing to work on behalf of asylum seekers and helping other organizations…
Read More

Training 200+ Pro Bono Attorneys

Janis Jin   March 25, 2020

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) has trained over 200 pro bono attorneys to help separated families sue…
Read More

A Deportation Prevented

Dorothy Tegeler   March 25, 2020

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. With ASAP’s help, Claudia was able to focus on childbirth rather than worry about missing her immigration hearing….
Read More

ASAP Fights for Work Permits

Janis Jin   March 24, 2020

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. ASAP is fighting back as this administration tries to make it virtually impossible for asylum seekers to work…
Read More

Guest Post: Applying for Asylum

Conchita Cruz   February 3, 2020

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Macy is a member of our online community for asylum-seeking mothers. She wrote this post to share with…
Read More

Guest Post: Volunteering in Texas

Conchita Cruz   January 31, 2020

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Hannah Duncan is an ASAP volunteer and a student at Yale Law School. Hannah and other students traveled…
Read More

Immigration Court Video Series

Dorothy Tegeler   December 16, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. ASAP has released a four part video series about how to navigate the immigration court process. The Spanish-language…
Read More

Guest Post: Getting a Work Permit

Dorothy Tegeler   December 9, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Mirna is a member of our online community for asylum-seeking mothers. She wrote this post to share with…
Read More

Family Wins 4-Year Legal Battle

Conchita Cruz   December 3, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Yolanda and her son are no longer living in fear of imminent deportation, after reversing their deportation order…
Read More

Lessons from the Mexico-U.S. Border

Conchita Cruz   November 26, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Earlier this month, ASAP’s Legal Emergency Room (Legal ER) team – Dennise Moreno, Nicole Tan, and Liz Willis…
Read More

ASAP Fights Proposed DHS Rule

Conchita Cruz   November 8, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. ASAP is fighting government efforts to make it impossible for asylum seekers to work in the United States….
Read More

Family Closer to Reunification

Conchita Cruz   September 30, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. This summer, ASAP took on the challenge of bringing Leticia back from Guatemala and reuniting her with her…
Read More

ASAP Becomes Standalone Nonprofit

Swapna Ready   September 27, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) is excited to announce that we are now an independent nonprofit organization!…
Read More

Mother Overturns Deportation Order

Conchita Cruz   September 25, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Naomi and her children are no longer living in fear of detention and imminent deportation. Now they can…
Read More

ASAP Staff Retreat in Alabama

Conchita Cruz   September 24, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Last week the ASAP team traveled to Alabama for a wonderful staff retreat. During the retreat, we spent…
Read More

Hearings in Two States in Same Week

Conchita Cruz   September 4, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The government expected Luz to appear in two different immigration courts thousands of miles apart – in the…
Read More

ASAP Grows Systemic Reform Team

Conchita Cruz   September 2, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. ASAP has expanded its Systemic Reform department, welcoming two new staff members to our team: Litigation Paralegal Marilyn…
Read More

ASAP Staff Spotlight: Daniela

Conchita Cruz   August 30, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. We are excited to introduce Daniela Rodriguez as ASAP’s Executive Assistant! Daniela migrated to the United States from…
Read More

Victory in Legal ER

Conchita Cruz   August 13, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Zulema accessed emergency legal aid and averted deportation for herself and her family. We met Zulema in our…
Read More

Response to Threat of Raids

Conchita Cruz   July 24, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) responded to the threat of immigration raids on asylum seekers this summer….
Read More

ASAP Staff Spotlight: Marilyn

Conchita Cruz   July 23, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. We are excited to introduce Marilyn E. Alvarado, ASAP’s new litigation paralegal! Marilyn is a native New Yorker…
Read More

ASAP Sues to Stop Deportations

Conchita Cruz   July 11, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. ASAP joined with three other legal services organizations in suing the government to stop the deportations of thousands…
Read More

ASAP Launches New Online Community

Conchita Cruz   July 1, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. ASAP is excited to announce the launch of a new online community for all Spanish-speaking adults who are…
Read More

ASAP Intern Spotlight: Edith

Janis Jin   June 30, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. This summer ASAP has been very grateful to host Legal Intern Edith Lerner, whose work has played in…
Read More

Victory for Family Suing ICE and CBP

Dorothy Tegeler   June 13, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. ASAP clients Suny Rodríguez and her minor son settled a first-of-its-kind federal lawsuit against U.S. Customs and Border…
Read More

Lawsuit for Reunited Families

Conchita Cruz   June 10, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. For families separated at the border, reunification was only the first step towards safety and justice. These families…
Read More

ASAP Staff Spotlight: Jasmina

Conchita Cruz   June 7, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. We are very excited to introduce Jasmina Nogo, ASAP’s newest Staff Attorney! Jasmina came to the United States…
Read More

Winning Asylum Against the Odds

Conchita Cruz   May 31, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. ASAP represented Andrea in reopening her asylum case, after she received a deportation order. When Andrea first contacted…
Read More

Mom Represents Herself And Wins

Conchita Cruz   April 14, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Last month, the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) helped Emily prepare a motion to move her case from…
Read More

ASAP Staff Retreat in Chicago

Conchita Cruz   April 3, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The ASAP team convened in Chicago last week for an action-packed staff retreat. After a few in-person meetings…
Read More

IRAP Litigation Partnership

Dorothy Tegeler   March 7, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. ASAP and the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) are excited to announce our partnership to bring litigation on…
Read More

ASAP Staff Spotlight: William

Conchita Cruz   March 6, 2019

Communications and Development Associate William Montgomery says: “I feel so lucky to be a part of this team and to…
Read More

ASAP Featured in Legal Journal

Dorothy Tegeler   March 5, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) is proud to be featured in Professor Lindsay Harris’s recent article in…
Read More

Victory in Legal ER

Dorothy Tegeler   February 28, 2019

  Zulema accessed emergency legal aid and averted deportation for herself and her family. We met Zulema through our online community…
Read More

ASAP Partner Spotlight: MSHRP

Dorothy Tegeler   January 23, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) is proud to partner with the Mount Sinai Human Rights Program (MSHRP),…
Read More

A Volunteer’s Week in Dilley

Dorothy Tegeler   January 19, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. ASAP at Yale member, Hannah Duncan, traveled to the Mexico-U.S. border to provide assistance to families at the…
Read More

Deportation Reversed for Family

Dorothy Tegeler   January 18, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. After working with the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) to successfully reverse her deportation order, Maria shared: “I…
Read More

ASAP’s Second Annual Report

Conchita Cruz   November 29, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) has released our second Annual Report! ASAP’s online community member, Libia shared:…
Read More

ASAP Condemns New Border Rule

Dorothy Tegeler   November 9, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) condemns the new interim final rule limiting the ways families fleeing violence…
Read More

Co-Founder Grows Policy Work

Swapna Ready   October 15, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. We are excited to announce the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) co-founder Conchita Cruz has received a two-year…
Read More

After Reunification, Fight Continues

Dorothy Tegeler   October 14, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Javier, an asylum-seeking father recently reunited with his child, said, “I was separated from my son who is seven…
Read More

ASAP Supporters Take Action

Dorothy Tegeler   October 12, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Two weeks ago, we called on our supporters to take a stand against the inhumane detention of immigrant…
Read More

ASAP Condemns Detention of Children

Dorothy Tegeler   September 17, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Last week the Trump administration proposed new regulations that would allow the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to…
Read More

A Summer Fighting for Families

Dorothy Tegeler   August 30, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Through a difficult summer filled with heart-wrenching news and attacks against asylum seekers, the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project…
Read More

Victory for Mother and Daughter

Dorothy Tegeler   August 17, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. After receiving news of a victory in her case, Libia shared her reflections about navigating the immigration system:…
Read More

New Guide for Border Advocates

Swapna Ready   July 30, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Access to an attorney while in detention could mean life or death for asylum-seeking families fleeing unspeakable violence….
Read More

ASAP is Hiring

Dorothy Tegeler   July 26, 2018

The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) is now hiring a Development Associate and an Immigration Staff Attorney! ASAP serves over 2,800…
Read More

ASAP Fights for Families

Dorothy Tegeler   June 29, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. In recent weeks, the Trump administration has heightened attacks on asylum seekers and their families. In an effort…
Read More

ASAP Helps Client Find New Beginning

Dorothy Tegeler   June 27, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. After fighting to reverse her deportation order, our client Andrea shared this message: “I am happy and grateful…
Read More

ASAP Co-Founders Speak Out

Swapna Ready   June 2, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. In response to the Trump administration’s recent policy changes, ASAP’s staff have spoken out on various publications and…
Read More

ASAP Receives Outpouring of Support

Dorothy Tegeler   June 1, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. In recent weeks, ASAP has been deeply grateful for the major outpouring of support. Thousands have donated, joined…
Read More

ASAP Fellowship Sponsorship

Dorothy Tegeler   May 28, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) at the Urban Justice Center seeks to sponsor law students and recent…
Read More

ASAP Issues Policy Report

Dorothy Tegeler   May 22, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Did you know that 85% of the more than 24,000 asylum-seeking families ordered deported from July 2014 to…
Read More

Reflections from ASAP’s Interns

Swapna Ready   May 20, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Read on for our interns’ reflections from this past semester: Cindy Zhunio “Coming from a large undocumented community,…
Read More

Mothers Build Strength in Community

Dorothy Tegeler   May 11, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Updated June 22, 2018 Our private online community is growing! The group has expanded by nearly 100 members…
Read More

ASAP Welcomes New Staff

Dorothy Tegeler   April 10, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. We are excited to welcome Evelyn Núñez and Nicole Tan as the newest additions to the Asylum Seeker…
Read More

Client Wins Challenging Appeal

Dorothy Tegeler   April 2, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Four months after refusing to grant Cristina’s appeal and reverse her deportation order, the Board of Immigration Appeals…
Read More

ASAP Joins Greater Sum 2018 Cohort

Dorothy Tegeler   April 1, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) is excited to announce that we are now members of The Greater…
Read More

Diary from Baby Jail

Dorothy Tegeler   March 21, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Each year, law student volunteers from the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP)’s chapter at Yale Law School travel…
Read More

ASAP’s First Annual Report

Dorothy Tegeler   December 6, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) has released our first ever Annual Report! ASAP client Sandra says, “As someone…
Read More

ASAP Seeks An Immigration Paralegal

Swapna Ready   December 6, 2017

The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) is looking for an immigration paralegal to join our team! The paralegal’s responsibilities will…
Read More

Tribune Op-Ed: Sessions is Wrong

Dorothy Tegeler   December 1, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) board member Michelle Mendez and co-founder Swapna Reddy write in the Chicago Tribune:…
Read More

#GivingTuesday Success

Swapna Ready   November 29, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) is excited to announce that our #GivingTuesday campaign was a success! With…
Read More

ASAP Wins J.M.K. Innovation Prize

Dorothy Tegeler   November 21, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) has been named one of ten winners of the 2017 J.M.K. Innovation…
Read More

Emergency Motions to Reopen Project

Dorothy Tegeler   October 17, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) is excited to announce a 96% win rate for our emergency motions…
Read More

Raising Awareness in October

Dorothy Tegeler   October 16, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. October has been a busy month as our co-founders presented at events and trainings for: the American Bar…
Read More

Client Fights Fraud, Inspires Others

Dorothy Tegeler   October 4, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP)’s client Luna fled to the United States after her siblings were murdered…
Read More

Volunteer Profile: Joanne Lee

Dorothy Tegeler   October 1, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Volunteer Joanne Lee, Yale law student and Co-President of the YLS chapter of the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project…
Read More

ASAP Welcomes New Staff

Dorothy Tegeler   September 1, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. We are excited to have co-founders Dorothy Tegeler and Liz Willis officially join our staff! Dorothy is joining…
Read More

Great Fundraising News

Dorothy Tegeler   July 6, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Thank you to the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the Conant Family Foundation, and Echoing Green for supporting our work and…
Read More

Lawsuit Against ICE Moves Forward

Dorothy Tegeler   May 25, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP)’s client Suny Rodriguez sued the U.S. government for its mistreatment of her…
Read More

Mother and Newborn Reunited

Dorothy Tegeler   May 14, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. A few months ago, a woman reached out to us through the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP)’s online…
Read More

Asylum Win for North Carolina Family

Dorothy Tegeler   April 30, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Sandra and her father were mayoral candidates in Central America, when her father was murdered. After his murder,…
Read More

Student Reflection from Detention

Dorothy Tegeler   March 20, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Guest Post by Iva Velickovic, Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) Volunteer Last Thursday, I practiced counting to ten…
Read More

Op-Ed: Deportation Could Mean Death

Dorothy Tegeler   March 9, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) co-founders Conchita Cruz and Swapna Reddy published an op-ed in TIME highlighting the…
Read More

Join Us Here!

  • Donate
  • About
  • Press
  • Members
  • Privacy Policy
  • Ayuda | Help
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2022 · Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project · Site by Ready to Blog Designs