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Mayra Casas Jackson, Inside the Immigration Bottleneck
Cincinnati, July 1, 2026 — Cincinnati Magazine recently published “Figuring Out the Immigration Process,” a feature highlighting the complex and often overwhelming journey immigrants face when seeking legal status in the United States. The article includes insights from Mayra Casas Jackson, executive director of the Immigrant & Refugee Law Center and advisor to LULAC Cincinnati, who explains how bureaucratic delays and shifting federal policies create significant barriers for families trying to build a new life.
🌎 Key Points from the Article
- The immigration system is deeply complex. Applicants must navigate layers of paperwork, interviews, fees, and long wait times—often without clear guidance.
- Humanitarian cases face extreme delays. Processing times for refugee and humanitarian visas have stretched from months to years, leaving many in prolonged uncertainty.
- Recent federal pauses have intensified challenges. A late-2025 halt on green card processing for refugees and asylees has left thousands waiting while their cases undergo additional review.
- Local impact is significant. Refugees assigned to Greater Cincinnati arrive through resettlement agencies, but the path to stability and citizenship remains difficult.
Jackson brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her advocacy. As a Peruvian immigrant and longtime legal representative, she works to help families understand their options and access the support they need. Her leadership at the Immigrant & Refugee Law Center continues to strengthen Cincinnati’s commitment to welcoming newcomers.
The challenges outlined in Cincinnati Magazine’s report show how deeply immigration policies affect real families—people seeking safety, stability, and the chance to contribute to their new communities. Long delays, shifting federal rules, and complex legal requirements can leave newcomers in years of uncertainty.
LULAC Cincinnati is glad to see this information brought forward, as public awareness is essential for meaningful change. When stories like these reach a wider audience, they help our community understand the realities immigrants face and highlight the importance of strong local support systems. By elevating voices like Mayra Casas Jackson’s, we reinforce our commitment to advocacy, empowerment, and ensuring Cincinnati remains a welcoming place for all.
🎶LULAC@“Wednesdays in the Woods” – Immigrant & Refugee Solidarity Night
Cincinnati, July 8, 2026 — The Clifton Cultural Arts Center celebrated its 18th season of Wednesdays in the Woods with a vibrant evening dedicated to Immigrant & Refugee Solidarity Night, featuring the dynamic ensemble Somos Música y Sabor (We Are Music and Flavor!). The event took place at Burnet Woods, right in the heart of Cincinnati, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of more than 600 attendees.
The park came alive with the rhythms of Latin music as families, neighbors, and community partners gathered to enjoy the performance and connect with local organizations. LULAC Cincinnati was proud to join the celebration, sharing information about our mission and encouraging civic participation ahead of the November midterm elections. Volunteers were on hand to answer questions about voter registration and help attendees navigate the registration process if they wished.
Events like these highlight the strength and diversity of our community—bringing people together through culture, music, and shared purpose.
LULAC Cincinnati and Community Partners Host Successful Passport Community Access Day
Cincinnati, April 25, 2026 — LULAC Cincinnati, in partnership with the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library and the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts, hosted a highly successful Passport Community Access Day designed to help families obtain passports for travel and to prepare for the possibility that passports may be required for future voting identification.
The event, held at the Downtown Main Library, brought together a coalition of community partners who provided free, multilingual, and family‑friendly support. More than 70 individuals sought assistance throughout the day, and the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts successfully processed 66 passport applications on site.
Community Partners and Their Contributions
- Hamilton County Clerk of Courts
Provided five staff members who processed passport applications throughout the event. - Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library
Hosted the event by providing the venue and one staff member dedicated to document copying and logistics. - Congressman Greg Landsman’s Office
Supplied snacks and refreshments and sent two staff members to assist families experiencing passport‑related issues. - Immigration and Refugee Law Center
Offered phone translation services for non‑Spanish languages and staffed a Know Your Rights information table. - Printologia
Delivered free document translation (Spanish to English), passport photos, and notarization services, removing financial barriers for families. - LULAC Cincinnati
Welcomed attendees at an information table, introduced community members to LULAC’s mission, and connected with prospective new members.
The event demonstrated the power of collaboration among civic, legal, and community organizations working together to expand access to essential documentation. For many families, the day provided not only practical support but also reassurance and empowerment in navigating government processes.
With strong turnout and overwhelmingly positive feedback, Passport Community Access Day highlighted the ongoing commitment of LULAC Cincinnati and its partners to ensuring equitable access to resources for immigrant, refugee, and Latino communities across Hamilton County.
LULAC Cincinnati Hosts Fireside Chat with Judge Marilyn Zayas for Women’s History Month
Cincinnati, March 28 — Community members gathered at Fueled Collective for a Women’s History Month fireside chat hosted by LULAC Cincinnati, where Judge Marilyn Zayas spoke to an energized, multigenerational audience about civic engagement, leadership, and the power of participation. The event drew attendees eager to hear her reflections and to take part in a conversation centered on empowerment and community involvement.
Throughout the evening, Judge Zayas emphasized the importance of individual voices in shaping the future, underscoring themes of belonging, representation, and civic responsibility. Attendees shared a meal, exchanged stories, and engaged in dialogue that highlighted resilience and collective purpose. The message resonated strongly: participation matters, and every vote carries weight in determining the direction of local and statewide communities.
Judge Zayas was raised in East Harlem, New York, as the daughter of Puerto Rican parents, she earned a degree in computer science before beginning her career at Procter & Gamble and moving to Cincinnati. She later pursued a law degree and spent two decades practicing law. In 2016, she was elected to the Ohio First District Court of Appeals, becoming the first Latina to serve on that bench. She was re‑elected in 2018 and 2024. Judge Zayas is currently campaigning for a seat on the Ohio Supreme Court.
The fireside chat concluded with a call to continued engagement, particularly among women in the community. Organizers noted that events like this are central to LULAC Cincinnati’s mission to inform, uplift, and mobilize local residents. Attendees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect, learn, and reflect together, reinforcing a shared commitment to moving forward collectively.
LULAC Cincinnati Hosts Mission Night to Inspire New Members and Community Advocacy
CINCINNATI, OH – LULAC Cincinnati recently welcomed community members to a Mission Night held at Parisian on Vine Apartments, inviting residents and neighbors to learn more about the organization’s work and explore opportunities to get involved.
The event focused on LULAC’s mission of advancing civil rights and strengthening communities through advocacy in housing, health, education, and leadership development. Attendees heard how local action connects to national impact, and how everyday voices can help shape policies and programs that affect Latino families and underserved communities across the region.
Organizers emphasized that Mission Night was not only about sharing information, but also about building relationships and empowering new advocates. Guests were encouraged to bring friends, ask questions, and discover ways to contribute, whether through volunteering, community outreach, or policy advocacy.
“National impact. Local action,” was a central theme of the evening, underscoring LULAC’s belief that meaningful change begins at the community level.
LULAC Cincinnati continues to invite residents to join the movement, bring their voices, and help create stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods throughout Greater Cincinnati.
LOEF Supports OLA Immigration Welcome Center Thanksgiving Dinner with Volunteers
Cincinnati, OH, November 23, 2025 — The OLA Immigration Welcome Center brought together more than 180 guests for a Thanksgiving dinner at McPherson Church, an event made possible through the support of over 100 volunteers and numerous community organizations.
The LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF) and its Young Latino Professionals joined with families, scholarship recipients, sponsors, and friends to serve meals, organize volunteers, usher families into the church, and assist with cleanup before and after the celebration. Their efforts reflected LOEF’s ongoing commitment to community service and empowerment.
Other organizations also stepped forward, including P&G, Su Casa, Crossroads Church, AJ Printing, Florence Y’All, Raiz a Rentas, David Brown and Cincinnati City Council member Ryan James, all contributing to an atmosphere of unity and gratitude. Together, they ensured that families could enjoy a warm meal, fellowship, and holiday cheer.
The evening was highlighted by a musical performance from Karen, La Dama del Pueblo, whose voice delighted attendees and added a festive spirit to the gathering. This Thanksgiving celebration showcased the strength of collaboration across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, bringing diverse groups together to uplift immigrant families and share in the joy of the holiday season.
Latinos Emprendedores – YLP Industry Leaders Night
Cincinnati, November 13, 2025 — The LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF), in collaboration with its Young Latino Professional (YLP) network, hosted a dynamic evening of inspiration and connection at the University of Cincinnati. The event, titled Latino Emprendedores: Industry Leaders Night, brought together aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals to spotlight resources and strategies for Latino-owned businesses.
🎤 A Powerhouse Panel of Industry Experts
The evening featured a panel moderated by Ricardo Ugas, president of LOEF-YLP of distinguished leaders who shared insights from their journeys and offered practical advice for navigating entrepreneurship:
- Becky Astaiza, Business Network International (BNI), recounted her experience translating for her parents and eventually managing a BNI chapter with 21 companies, that trade $70K in business . She emphasized the power of referrals and collaborative growth.
- Luis Salazar, known as the “Finance Guru,” broke down the financial realities of launching a business while employed full-time. He advised attendees to understand their break-even point and wait until their side hustle consistently supports them before leaving their job.
- Laura Castillo, representing the City of Cincinnati, highlighted the Urban League’s Women of Color Access to Capital Bootcamp and the city’s efforts to diversify its vendor pool.
- Danielle Prost, of Prost Mortgage Group, addressed the barriers minorities face in homeownership due to lack of information and shared resources to overcome these challenges.
- Chani Morris, CEO of Chanitax, discussed her certifications in real estate, accounting, and insurance, which enable her to offer essential services in Spanish to meet community needs.
💬 Empowering Conversations and Practical Guidance
Panelists tackled key topics such as transitioning from employment to entrepreneurship, accessing capital, and building professional networks. The advice was grounded in real-world experience and tailored to the unique challenges faced by Latino professionals. The panel was closed by Laura Moese, president of LOEF thanking the panelist and praising this event for its insights.
🤝 Networking with Purpose
Following the panel, attendees engaged in structured networking with a goal: make at least two new connections and practice their business elevator pitch. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as ideas were exchanged and partnerships began to form.
This event marked a significant step in fostering Latino entrepreneurship in Cincinnati, equipping attendees with tools, connections, and confidence to pursue their business dreams.
LOEF Leaders Spotlight Scholarship Opportunities on Popular Latino Podcast
Cincinnati, OH – October 10, 2025 — Laura Moese, President of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF), and Ricardo Ugas, President of the LOEF Young Latino Professional Network (YLPN), joined host Mishell Vasquez on the podcast De Madres y Mujeres y un poco más for a special live broadcast on Radio Cincinnati’s Facebook channel.
The podcast focused on LOEF’s mission to empower Latino students and professionals through education and leadership development. Moese highlighted the foundation’s scholarship program, encouraging students and families to prepare for the upcoming application cycle, which opens in the first quarter of 2025. While Ugas talked about opportunities as Young professionals.
Radio Cincinnati, a widely followed platform among Cincinnati’s Latino community, provided an ideal venue to reach local families and young professionals. The podcast, known for its vibrant discussions on culture, family, and community empowerment, offered a welcoming space for LOEF to share its message.
LOEF expresses heartfelt gratitude to Mishell Vasquez for the invitation and to Álvaro Ismael of Radio Cincinnati for facilitating the live stream. “We’re thankful for the chance to connect with listeners and spread the word about our programs,” said Moese. For those who missed the live episode, the reel is available for replay Here .
Stay tuned to LOEF’s official channels for updates on scholarship deadlines, eligibility, and upcoming events.
LOEF Marks 20 Years of Empowering Latino Students at NKU Gala
Highland Heights, KY – September 18, 2025 — The LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF) commemorated two decades of educational impact during its 20th Annual Scholarship Celebration Gala, held at the Northern Kentucky University (NKU) Student Center. The evening brought together community leaders, educators, students, and supporters to honor the legacy and future of Latino empowerment through education.
LOEF President Laura Moese led the evening’s program, expressing heartfelt gratitude to NKU for hosting the gala for more than half of its twenty-year history. In her remarks, Moese traced LOEF’s roots from the founding of the national LULAC organization in 1923, to the establishment of LULAC Cincinnati in 2007, and finally to LOEF’s creation in 2022—formed to better serve the educational mission of the Cincinnati council.
The gala honored the foundational members of LULAC Cincinnati and recognized the sponsors whose unwavering support has fueled LOEF’s mission. Moese thanked longtime partners such as Procter & Gamble, the Center for Closing the Health Gap, Mr. & Mrs John Pepper and numerous private businesses and families who have contributed to the success of Latino students across the region.
While dinner was being served, guests were moved by heartfelt testimonials from scholarship recipients, sharing how LOEF’s support helped them overcome barriers and pursue their academic dreams. The evening was further enriched by a musical performance from Karen, “La Dama del Pueblo,” who captivated the audience with traditional Mexican ballads. Alicia Pagan and her husband Ray also took the stage to present a new initiative: a proposed Day of Volunteerism in honor of civil rights icons Dolores Huerta and César Chávez. They performed a song once sung by Huerta and Chávez during their advocacy for farmworkers’ rights—a poetic tribute to equality, with lyrics reminding us that “the sun gives its warmth to all equally.”
Keynote speaker Dr. Adriana Altuve, Vice President at Procter & Gamble, delivered a powerful and deeply personal address. She shared her journey of escaping political hardship in Cuba, pursuing her education in Mexico, and ultimately rising to executive leadership at P&G. Her story of resilience, determination, and purpose resonated with the audience, offering valuable lessons on perseverance, identity, and the importance of mentorship in overcoming adversity.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Rosa Maria Moreno (RMM) Lifetime Achievement Award, bestowed upon Moreno for her 40-year dedication to education and her pivotal role in selecting LOEF scholarship recipients over the past two decades. Her leadership helped LOEF become the top-performing LULAC council nationwide in scholarship grants over the last four years. The RMM award was also presented to Leo Calderon and Irene Encarnacion, honoring their four decades of service as educators and their impactful work with the Esperanza Latino Center.
Jonaiker Villalobos, pitcher for the Florence Y’Alls, received the Community Leader Award for his efforts in launching and sustaining the Latin Heritage Night, now a celebrated tradition for the past three years.
In a powerful conclusion to the evening, LOEF awarded 42 scholarships to students from Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, reinforcing its commitment to helping Latino youth achieve their college dreams and build brighter futures.
The gala served not only as a celebration of past achievements but as a reaffirmation of LOEF’s enduring mission: to uplift the next generation of Latino leaders through education, opportunity, and community support.