Dear John,

Today is International Women’s Day and we at the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) are honored to bear witness to and spotlight the incredible stories of immigrant women. 

Did you know? 

• There are over 23 million female immigrants in the United States. 
• Over one-third of immigrant women aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 
• Immigrants make up 16 percent of the women in the U.S. labor force. 

Every day we see the resilience and rigor of our clients to gain legal status to be able to work, live, and provide for their families and/or networks. Clients like… 

A client from Mexico, who did not wish to be named, who applied for status through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). She originally came to the United States on a fiancé visa, and her husband later abused her. ILCM staff supported this client for many years. Staff first helped her obtain a work card to help her on her journey towards independence. Then, staff worked with her to obtain status under VAWA and most recently lawful permanent residency. This client now feels safe after a harrowing experience. She is excited for the freedom offered by a green card and plans to visit her family in Mexico soon. 

Shall, who travelled from her home in the country along the Burma-Thailand border to the United States. Shall moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota in 2017 with two young children and expecting a third. While six months pregnant, she and her husband began the citizenship process together. Shall says it was confusing at first, but they were lucky to find Maylary Apolo, a case handler at the ILCM’s Austin office. After many forms, compiling supporting documents, and biometrics scanning, she finally received a letter inviting her to appear at a Naturalization Oath Ceremony at the Minneapolis federal courthouse. When she arrived back in Albert Lea, the whole family ran out to greet Shall with cheers and congratulations. She shared “the kids were like, ‘Yay, Mommy, you’re home now! We’re so proud of you – you’re a citizen now!’” 

Andrea, who said, “Thanks to ILCM, I received the support I needed to apply for and receive DACA status. This not only gave me the opportunity to attend college, but also to get a job and the driver’s license I needed to get between my home, school, and work. This enabled me to pay my way through school while also supporting my family. I am now the first one in my family with a bachelor’s degree, and it feels like such a relief knowing my siblings and cousins have a path to do this as well.”   

This International Women’s Day let's stand together in support of the courageous immigrant women who enrich our communities and contribute to the strength of our nation. Your generosity helps provide stability and much-needed legal status that opens pathways to living full, healthy, and happy lives.  

With gratitude,

Veena Iyer

Executive Director