Our Story

15 years ago…

Shortly after graduating from the UNM School of Law, Jennifer Landau was awarded a two-year Equal Justice Works fellowship to help address the lack of legal services for low-income New Mexicans facing deportation. Hosted by Diocesan Migrant and Refugee Services of El Paso, the fellowship exposed Jenny to the harsh reality for many immigrants in New Mexico: there were no options for people facing deportation who could not afford a private attorney. 

A large group of diverse people posing outdoors with mountains in the background.

We envision a vibrant New Mexico where all people—regardless of immigration status—can achieve their full potential and are treated with dignity and respect.

When the fellowship came to an end, Jenny set up shop in a corner office of Enlace Comunitario to continue her work, supported by Enlace, El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos, the Jesuits of Albuquerque, and Encuentro. One year later, Jenny met Megan Jordi Brody, another young attorney passionate about preventing deportations primarily due to lack of counsel. Together they moved into the office of El CENTRO and Encuentro, formed an advisory group, and incorporated with the generous support of the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty as fiscal sponsor. The New Mexico Immigrant Law Center was born. 

NMILC has come a long way since our modest beginnings in 2010. Now a staff of over 50, our services, mission, and vision have expanded to encompass a wide-range of legal issues affecting low-income immigrants. With each new project, we stay committed to our founding principle of operating as a social justice organization committed to working with, rather than for, low-income immigrant groups across the state. Today, as in the years of our founding, we partner with local community organizing groups to ensure our programs are responsive to emerging needs in the community.

In 2025, New Mexico Immigrant Law Center celebrated 15 years of supporting the immigrant community! In honor of our “quinceañera” year, we are celebrating throughout 2026 with our community, clients, supporters, and partner organizations.

Join us as we look back on 15 years of tireless advocacy with our immigrant neighbors, and look ahead with us toward growth, stability, and abundance in the face of threats to justice for our community. Together, we are building a safer and more connected future for our neighbors and families.  

Take a look back at our incredible 15-year journey below. With your support, we can keep showing up for low-income immigrants in New Mexico with the representation and advocacy they deserve.

Celebrating 15 years of support for New Mexico's immigrant community by the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center with colorful graphics and a website link.
Info graphic about detention centers open from 2006 to 2009, highlighting the opening of immigrant detention centers in New Mexico and the legal aid offered by Jennifer Landau.
A graphic with a pink background on top and cream on the bottom, featuring the year 2010, a section titled "The Response", text about Jennifer and Megan Brody founding a law center, a quote from Jennifer Landau, and a photo of a smiling woman with shoulder-length dark hair in a circular frame.
Two young women participating in a rally, holding signs that read "CONGRESS MUST ACT NOW!" and "DREAM ACT NOW!". The background shows a school or institutional building with a few other people around.
People at a booth for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, with informational brochures on the table, under a banner displayed at an indoor community event.
Infographic with date 2022 on the left, orange and pink sections discussing challenges faced by unaccompanied immigrant children in New Mexico and the response of NMLC partnering with the Vera Institute.
A graphic discussing immigration law in New Mexico. It highlights the expiration of legal protections for immigrant youth at age 18, despite federal law allowing access until age 21, and describes efforts by NMILC to expand juvenile delinquency status and deportation eligibility.
A diverse group of people in a conference room, engaged in a discussion around a table. The image includes a woman with red hair, an older man with glasses and gray hair, a man in a suit with a laptop, and another man standing. There are large windows revealing a landscape view outside.
A diverse group of people gathered outside a building holding signs and protesting, with a woman speaking at a microphone.
A woman speaking at a podium during a rally or protest, with people sitting behind her wearing teal shirts. A large sign in the background displays the words "FAMILIES BELONG TOGETHER". The event is associated with the 2017-2018 timeframe and focuses on advocating for immigrant rights and family reunification.
A graphic timeline from 2016 with text about a new detention center in Cibola County, NMILC's legal program for detainees, set against a background of a barbed wire fence.
Group of people wearing masks standing outside a building with signage, some wearing yellow shirts with NMILC logo, one person in front with a rainbow-colored mask, a mix of standing and crouching poses.
Group of eight people standing behind a sign marking the border between Mexico and the United States, with a chain-link fence and blue sky in the background.
Collage of photos from a legislative event, including groups of diverse people, a formal meeting in a government chamber, and individuals taking selfies. The event highlights the passing of immigration-related bills in 2026.
Group of people posing outdoors with mountains in the background, celebrating 15 years of NMILC.
Celebration poster for the 15th anniversary of the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC) featuring colorful abstract design with pink and orange waves at the bottom, with text supporting the next 15 years and a website link.