Under the Trump administration’s recent policies, the rights of immigrants are under attack. Which is to say: The rights of our families, friends, neighbors, and loved ones are under attack.
We at AJSOCAL want you to know: You are not alone.
We have an incredible team of staff attorneys and legal advocates who provide free or low-cost services to the AAPI community in Southern California. In this blog, we’re featuring two members of our staff: Sabrena and Julie. Meet them below!
Sabrena Tran, Legal Advocate Coordinator
What inspired your interest in social justice and advocacy?
As a first-generation Vietnamese immigrant, my passion for social justice and advocacy stems from my personal experiences navigating cultural and linguistic barriers.
I am driven by the desire to help alleviate these struggles for those facing similar challenges.
What is your standout memory at AJSOCAL?
My standout memory at AJSOCAL involves a long and complicated adjustment of status case. From beginning to end, I worked closely with this client, a Vietnamese immigrant and domestic violence survivor, helping her overcome countless hurdles to prove her case to USCIS before interpreting for her at her interview.
When her approval was finally granted three years later, it felt like both a hard-earned victory and a rewarding affirmation of the system’s ability to (sometimes) be just and fair. My client was so overcome with joy—it’s an experience I won’t soon forget.
What is a goal or vision you have for the AAPI community?
As someone who has witnessed the lack of resources available to immigrant communities firsthand, it is especially important to me to see the AAPI community thrive as a place where all members, regardless of background and financial standing, are afforded the opportunities and culturally sensitive resources necessary to succeed.
AAPI Recommendation:
My favorite book is On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by author Ocean Vuong! It’s beautifully written and lends such a unique and necessary voice to the immigrant experience.
I also highly recommend Vietnamese-owned Airoma Café in Westminster—it’s my favorite matcha spot!
Sabrena Tran, Legal Advocate Coordinator
What inspired your interest in social justice and advocacy?
I am passionate about social justice and advocacy because of my own immigration history. I was raised in Little Saigon, where my family immigrated to as Vietnamese refugees.
I joined AJSOCAL because it gives me the opportunity to serve Vietnamese clients in their native language and uplift the community that I grew up in.
What is your standout memory at AJSOCAL?
My favorite memories at AJSOCAL are the annual team bonding trips to Disneyland. The OC Immigration team loves going to Disneyland, specifically the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. We always have a blast!
What is a goal or vision you have for the AAPI community?
A goal that I have for the AAPI community is increasing access to in-language services.
I would love to see community members coming together to contribute their language skills and make legal services more accessible, whether it be directly servicing clients in their native language or translating educational information for the immigrant community.
AAPI Recommendation:
An AAPI recommendation I have is the novel Babel by R.F. Kuang.
I also love Non’s Kitchen, which is Vietnamese-owned and right across from AJSOCAL’s OC office!
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Sabrena and Julie are part of an amazing immigration team at AJSOCAL. We offer several free or low-cost services, including: immigration relief eligibility screenings; assistance with deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) renewal applications; and removal defense services.
We encourage you to call our multi-language, toll-free hotlines for help. To access more resources and sign up for our newsletter with important information on immigration, visit our website. And to stay updated on the latest news, follow our social media pages, including Instagram and X.
Above all, remember: You are not alone.