Historia de Migrants Foundation
En Abril del 2014 nació Migrant Rights Foundation, más adelante se llamaría Migrants Foundation, bajo la dirección del activista de los derechos humanos, político y abogado graduado en Venezuela José «Javier’ Torres. Javier Torres por casi una década organizó y gerenció el programa legal gratuito de inmigración de los Servicios Luteranos de la Florida, la agencia de reasentamiento de refugiados más prestigiosa de los Estados Unidos que presta servicios legales en inmigración a los inmigrantes de bajos recursos, principalmente cubanos, asilados y refugiados. La exposición a procesos complejos de inmigración, así como a la obtención y la administración de recursos del gobierno a través de subvenciones, dejó una profunda huella en Torres, que le hizo más adelante crear Migrants Foundation, esta vez, para servir a una población más amplia, que incluyera a todas las nacionalidades, incluso antes de que tuvieran un estatus legal en los Estados Unidos. Es así como nace Migrants Foundation en el 2014. En el 2014 se incorpora a la Junta Directiva el abogado Paúl Palacios, brindando un invaluable aporte legal a la Fundación. En Mayo del 2015, se nombra una nueva Junta Directiva, dándole la bienvenida al abogado Danny Álvarez Sr, ex-asesor de campaña del Gobernador de la Florida Rick Scott, y quien más adelante ser convertiría en el Hombre Hispano de Tampa 2015. Danny Álvarez sirvió a la vez como representante legal de la Fundación hasta Septiembre del 2016, siendo precedido en sus funciones por la prestigiosa Abogada Oxalis Bianca García. Actualmente y luego de haber atendido a más de un millar de inmigrantes en los últimos cinco años, Migrants Foundation o la Fundación del Inmigrante como se le conoce afectivamente en la comunidad, continúa consolidándose como una de las organizaciones sin fines de lucro con mayor alcance y credibilidad en la comunidad hispana de Tampa; prestando servicios legales de bajo costo en materia de inmigración, a lo largo y ancho de todo el Estado de la Florida y en otros Estados de la unión. Migrants Foundation se ha convertido en una refugio para las víctimas de persecución, los aplicantes de asilo, las víctimas de violencia doméstica, de tráfico humano y de crímenes. Diversas organizaciones de derechos humanos en los Estados Unidos, así como Abogados de diversas áreas de práctica, nos confían sus clientes en búsqueda de servicios legales de gran calidad profesional, indiscutible experiencia y accesibles para personas con limitados recursos económicos.
The purpose of our organization
- To identify immigration and human rights issues affecting immigrants and serves as a liaison between them and law enforcement agencies, government agencies, community base organizations, non for profit organizations, resettlement agencies, human rights organizations, educational organizations, immigrant groups, organized minority groups, and public and private entities.
- To provide referral, information of resources available in the community and other necessary services to the immigrants.
- To promote the dignity of the immigrants and their families through research, education, assistance, direct service and advocacy on immigration, human rights, social services, public benefits and welfare issues.
- To educate and encourage activism on immigration and human rights issues.
- To assist immigrants in order to prevent discrimination or abrogation of their rights by any private and public agency.
- Recruits volunteers, students, paralegals, professionals, lawyers and pro-bono attorneys to assist low income immigrants.
Nuestro equipo
After High School, Paul served five years of active duty and another three years of active reserve in the US Navy where he earned the National Defense Service Medal for service in support of Desert Shield and Desert Storm operations. He also earned the Navy Good Conduct Medal and a marksmanship award as a sharpshooter. While in the service Paul also earned an Associate of Arts, Summa Cum Laude from National University in San Diego, California. Paul then attended the University of Florida in Gainesville where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. Paul attended Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport where he earned his Juris Doctorate. He completed part of his studies of law as an exchange student at the University of Granada in Spain. While there he studied intellectual property, criminal law, and business law in the European Union. Paul was a founding member of the Immigration Law Society at Stetson College of Law and served as Secretary while at Stetson. Paul worked for over ten years for Verizon Communications as a Systems Analyst and Systems Engineer. While at Verizon, he was also sent to Bell Sygma in Canada and CANTV in Venezuela. While at Verizon, Paul also attended the University of Tampa where he earned an MBA.
After getting licensed as an attorney, Paul concentrated his practice almost exclusively in the field of Immigration in order to become the best possible advocate in such a complex field of law. As such, Paul is frequently a guest in radio and television shows to discuss matters of interest in immigration law and policy.
Paul also has served on the following boards or positions:
• Legal Counsel of Casa Venezuela Tampa Bay.
• Hillsborough County Special Magistrate, 2013-2014.
• HYPE Nationals Treasurer.
• Vice President HYPE Tampa Bay.
• Vice President, TICH (tichonline.org)
• Executive VP, NSHMBA Tampa Bay.
Licensed:
• Supreme Court of Florida
District of Columbia
U.S.
• District Court for the Southern District of Florida
U.S.
• District Court for the Middle District of Florida
U.S.
• District Court for the Northern District of Florida.
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.
Legal Memberships:
• Florida Bar.
• American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
Tampa Bay Hispanic Bar Association.
Professional experience:
• Focuses on Family and Immigration. Certified Family Law Mediator, Attorney Garcia represents clients in the following counties: Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, Orange, and Osceola.
• Attorney Garcia handles simple to moderate insurance defense cases through trial, arbitration or appeal for the client. Provides legal advice and strategy cases, plus provides advice and handle pre-litigation matters. Prepares legal pleadings, motions, statements, memoranda, trial briefs and other legal documents on cases. Provides legal advice and representation to clients, and appears in court as required. Attend mediations or conduct direct settlement negotiations with plaintiffs’ or defendant’s attorneys regarding cases in the suit. Acquires and applies appropriate knowledge of relevant legal/litigation discipline and handles complex litigation cases. Evaluates case-specific legal issues and directs appropriate resources and responses.
Education:
• Sept. 2011
M.B.A.
American Intercontinental University Online
International Business
• Dec. 2005 Juris Doctorate Interamerican University School of Law, San Juan, Puerto Rico Law School A.B.A. approved.
• Jun. 2001 B.S.B.A. Business Administration University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico -Major in Human Resource Management
Professional memberships:
• Member of the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association.
• Member of the Canakaris Family Law Inns of Court, Clearwater, FL
• Admitted to and member in good standing of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Law Bar.
• Admitted to and member in good standing of the State of Maryland Law Bar.
• Admitted to and member in good standing of the State of Florida Law Bar.
• Published article in a local newspaper for the Puerto Rico Certified Mediators Association.
• Published article in a journal for Puerto Rico Bar, Association, the Jose de Diego Association Delegation of Aguadilla.
After extensive training and experience in American Immigration Law and fulfilling all eligibility requirements, he is now preparing to take the Bar examination next July 2020 to be admitted as a lawyer in the United States.
In the past fourteen years, Jose Javier Torres has been entirely immersed in the immigration area. He worked for seven years at Lutheran Services of Florida as Manager of Legal Services, is the founder of the Free Legal Services Program for Refugees and Asylees.
In April 2014, Jose Javier assumes the Executive Direction of the Foundation of the Migrant Rights Foundation, now Migrants Foundation and served as Manager of Legal Services at Palacios Immigration Law.
Jose Javier currently serves on the boards of several organizations in the area of Tampa Bay, as following: Emeritus President/Founder of Casa Venezuela Tampa Bay, Director of Venezuelan Awareness Foundation; and Past President of the Venezuelan Suncoast Association-VSA-, former Director at TICH and Senior Advisor on Hispanic Youth Voice – VJH.
When he lived in Venezuela, Jose Javier worked for 14 years in the automotive industry, holding executive positions at BMW, Ferrari, General Motors, Mitsubishi, among other major corporations. Likewise, from 2002 and until 2006 he was appointed Nationwide Coordinator of Peace Judges and a member of the board of directors of first justice on the streets for the political party ‘Primero Justicia’.
Being immersed in both sectors, private and nonprofit, Jose Javier has been able to implement a successful formula of management development, leadership, and management of any model of the public or private organization.
Through his involvement with prestigious nonprofit organizations in the United States, Jose Javier has been prominent in getting billionaire resources from the Federal Government and State Authority to assist immigrants in need. On several occasions, Jose Javier, along with other community leaders, visited the United States Congress in Washington, DC, to advocate in front of Congressmen and Senators for fair immigration laws that would benefit the Hispanic community.
Known as the Hispanic Advocate, Jose Javier has understood the importance of immigration in the lives of millions of people in this country and has since focused his career to inform, defend and help Hispanic immigrants, promoting active campaigns for the protection of their rights.
Jose Javier is a leading analyst of the political situation and human rights in Latin America, with emphasis on Venezuela; being an exceptional expert witness to assist in the defense of cases of political persecution and human rights violations.
Education
UNIVERSIDAD CENTRAL DE VENEZUELA, Caracas – Venezuela. Diploma of “Lawyer”. 1992-1997
*** Ranking in 1997 Promotion: N° 12 out of 360 graduates.
HAMLINE UNIVERSITY – Saint Paul, Minnesota – USA. Legum Magister (LL.M.). Jan–Dec 2000
Focused on North American corporate law and intellectual property. As compulsory subjects studied International Law and American Legal System.
UNIVERSIDAD CENTRAL DE VENEZUELA, Caracas – Venezuela. Specialization in Tax Law. 2004-2006
UNIVERSIDAD CATOLICA ANDRES BELLO, Caracas – Venezuela. Governance and Political Management. 2005-2006
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, Miami, FL – USA. Immigration Procedures Certificate. May-Aug 2016 Nonimmigrant Visa Classifications, Basic Nonimmigrant Categories and NAFTA, Labor Certification (PERM), Immigrant Visa Classifications and Sponsorship, Employment-based and Family-based Immigration, Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing, Visa Bulletin, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Asylum, Deportation and Removal Proceedings, Waivers, Compliance Issues, Citizenship and Naturalization, among other topics.
Experience
• Immigration Attorney at Lissete Sanchez Law P.A. Tampa, FL – USA. Jul-Dec 2019
• Attorney Trainee in Immigration Law at Maria Trina Burgos P.A Law Office. Miami, FL. Jan-May 2019
• Attorney at Law (Solo Practice). Caracas-Venezuela. 2011–2015
Legal Affairs Manager at Chacao Foundation and Chacao Cultural Center. Caracas – Venezuela. 2007-2011
• Head of the Dept of Tax Affairs at General Counsel Office of Baruta County, Caracas – Venezuela. 2007
• Associate Attorney in Tax & Corporate Affairs at Badell, Grau & De Gracia. Caracas – Venezuela. 2006-2007
• Attorney II at City Counsel Office of Chacao County. Caracas-Venezuela. 2001-2006
• Alternate as Director of Corporate Affairs at City Counsel Office of Chacao County. Caracas-Venezuela. 2006
• Associate Attorney of the Litigation Department at Tinoco, Travieso, Planchart & Núñez. Venezuela. 1996 legal Assistant of the Litigation Department at Tinoco, Travieso, Planchart & Núñez. Venezuela. 1996
University of Miami School of Law ***Scholarship and Acceptance Offer for 2020, Will Attend***
•Bachelor of Arts in Political Science May 2019
University of South Florida (USFSP)
Minors in Leadership Studies and General Business Administration
GPA 3.91; Summa Cum Laude
WORK EXPERIENCE
Program Development Manager Aug 2 019 – Current
Migrants Foundation, Inc., Tampa, FL
• Assists in daily administrative operations of the organization such as filing paperwork with government agencies, distribution of tasks, and managing of case files.
• Creates thorough plans for the future development of the organization by analyzing company structure and goals.
• Communicates goals to the team and ensures success by offering support to attorneys and legal staff.
Legal Intern Aug 2017 – Jun 2018
Englander Fischer Law, St. Petersburg, FL
• Shadowed attorneys and paralegals in daily activities to understand the functionalities of depositions, hearings, and conferences.
• Became familiarized with litigation, probate, and real estate concepts to expand legal understanding.
• Fulfilled administrative tasks such as digitizing documents, making copies, organizing client paperwork, etc. to assist attorneys and paralegals with the workload.
Student Research Assistant Jul – Aug 2017
University of South Florida (USFSP), St. Petersburg, FL
• Collected data regarding political parties in the Post-Cold War Era to verify previously compiled information.
• Analyzed religious aspects of the political parties as a means of exploring trends and patterns.
• Collaborated in researching with other team members to obtain accuracy and precision.
ACHIEVEMENTS
• Cultural Ambassador 2014 – 2017
Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc., Tampa, FL
• National Hispanic Scholar 2015 – 2019
Awarded by CollegeBoard for outstanding performance on the SAT.
• Presidential Scholarship Recipient 2016 – 2020
Awarded highest merit scholarship honor at USF.
• Reina de Reinas 2016
“Queen of Queens” Tampa Hispanic community pageant winner.
LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
• Board Member Migrant Rights Foundation. 2018 – 2020
Observes administrative functions and operational decision-making pertinent to the foundation.
• Junior Board Member Tampa Hispanic Heritage Inc. 2006 – 2007
Observes administrative functions and operational decision-making pertinent to the foundation.
• Volunteer Venezuela Awareness Foundation / Raices Venezolanas Miami. 2019 – Present
Facilitate distribution of donations to newly-migrated Venezuelans in need to help them begin their life in the US.
•Anytown Mentor Community Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, FL. Jun 2018 and Jun 2019
Executed training in “cultural agility” in order to facilitate dialogue amongst program delegates.
Mentored diverse high school students in learning about social issues and developing leadership skills.
•Master of Ceremonies KNJ Gratitude Awards, Tampa, FL. Nov 2018
Presented awards to Tampa community leaders for efforts in the solidarity of the Venezuelan people.
•Humanitarian Travel to Colombia Migrants Foundation, Bogota – Colombia. May 2019
Provided lifesaving aid to Venezuelans refugees in Colombia.