WE BELIEVE
IMMIGRANT FAMILIES
HAVE A FUNDAMENTAL
RIGHT TO ACCESS
CULTURALLY &
LINGUISTICALLY
COMPETENT ATTORNEYS.
WHO WE ARE
The International Families Justice Coalition (IFJC), a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit established in 2017, is committed to supporting low-income immigrants navigating the complex family law system in Washington State. With over 40 million immigrants in the U.S.—representing one-fifth of the world’s migrant population (Pew Research Center, 2020)—ourÂ
mission is to advocate for vulnerable individuals, particularly those facing domestic violence and abuse within their families. King County, including Seattle, saw a 47% increase in foreign-born residents between 2010 and 2022, making it one of the fastest-growing counties for immigrants in the U.S. (The Seattle Times, 2023). This growing population underscores the need for IFJC’s services, especially for immigrants experiencing domestic violence, as they face unique legal and cultural challenges. While IFJC’s primary focus has been on immigrant communities, we are equally committed to educating the legal community on the
complexities of international marriages and domestic violence issues. These cases often involve cross-border legal matters, cultural differences, and jurisdictional challenges,
requiring specialized knowledge and training. We provide critical resources to legal professionals, ensuring they are equipped to serve diverse, international families more effectively. Our dual mission—direct support for immigrant families and education for the legal community—ensures that both vulnerable individuals and those assisting them have access to the resources they need. By bridging this gap, IFJC promotes fair and equitable access to justice while fostering a more informed and culturally aware legal community.
MISSION
OUR
Develop and maintain a comprehensive list of linguistically and culturally competent attorneys committed to offering family law services to immigrant and international communities, ensuring these families have access to the specialized legal support they need.
1
Provide training programs for lawyers and judges on the unique family law issues affecting immigrants and international families in Washington State. These programs aim to enhance understanding of the cultural, linguistic, and legal complexities these families face, improving the effectiveness and accessibility of legal services.
2
Provide direct legal representation to qualified individuals who are indigent or in distress and unable to afford legal services. We aim to either offer in-house assistance or connect them with pro bono or low-bono counsel, ensuring access to justice for those facing significant legal challenges.