Human Rights Initiative of North Texas

Description

The Human Rights Initiative of North Texas is a non-profit organization that provides free legal assistance and social services to refugees and immigrants in the North Texas area who have been victims of human rights abuses. It was founded in 1999 by attorney Elizabeth Healy and social worker Serena Simmons Connelly.

HRI runs two main programs. Its Asylum program assists refugees who fled persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Its Women and Children’s program helps immigrant women and children who are victims of domestic violence, violent crime, abuse or neglect, including petitions under the Violence Against Women Act and applications for U visas and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.

Most of HRI’s legal cases are handled by a large network of volunteer attorneys, who have donated thousands of hours of pro bono service. The organization also trains legal professionals and offers internship opportunities with local universities.