Meet Our Team

Dear Friends, 

Last week, many of us gathered with friends and family to usher in Lunar New Year, the year of the Fire Horse. And the next day, many Christians around the world showed up at church on Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent and the 40-day journey toward Easter. We had the sign of the cross smudged on our foreheads with ashes. We were told: remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Naming our vulnerability, with our mortality physically imprinted on our bodies. Holding in tension — life and death, hope and grief. 

Similarly, the year began with more state-sanctioned brutality, and even death, of immigrant neighbors and those who choose to stand with them. Yet, alongside this terrible distress, we also want to name the goodness in front of us and practice gratitude. For work permits and green cards for our clients, which are hard to come by these days. For protection and safety. For new funding grants. For the generosity of our supporters. And for a new Jubilee Spanish-speaking attorney, who you can learn more about below. As always, thank you for your prayers, love and support. 

Meet Our Team
Introducing Daniel Werner

This January, Jubilee welcomed Daniel Werner to our team of Spanish-speaking immigration advocates. Prior to joining Jubilee, Daniel focused on strategic litigation to advance immigrant rights and support grassroots community organizing. Daniel brings years of removal defense experience.

Why did you decide to work in immigration legal services?

I grew up in San Francisco in a very diverse community. I went to public schools with people from of all walks of life with different backgrounds. I have always had an interest in understanding other people's experiences.

What brought you back to direct legal services after working in strategic litigation?

I missed working more directly with clients. Right now, it's essential that community members are empowered to work towards changing the systems that are impacting them. It's hard to reach that level of empowerment without basic stability. It's really crucial right now for direct service organizations to increase their services and help people to be in a position where they can be self-advocates. 

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

Seeing clients win their cases, which often cause a lot of stress in their lives. It can be an important part of feeling like they can be a part of a movement that can ultimately make more lasting change. 

How do you spend your time when you’re not working?

I like running, hiking, and being in nature. I like spending time with my family. I also like to read, go to movies, and watch shows. 

By Amy Lee

Executive Director & Immigration Attorney