Joanne McAfee joined La Esperanza in May 2025 as an Immigration Assistant, but her connection to the organization began years earlier through a hands-on internship. With personal ties to the immigrant experience and a deep commitment to advocacy, Joanne approaches her work with both skill and heart. In this interview, she shares what drives her, the lessons she has learned, and why she believes access to immigration services is essential for Delaware’s Latino and immigrant communities.
Can you tell us about your current role at La Esperanza and how long you’ve been with the organization?
I have been with La Esperanza since the end of May 2025 as an Immigration Assistant. This is my first time as a staff member but I completed a six-month internship with La Esperanza’s Immigration Program in 2021. During my internship I was able to attend the Villanova Interdisciplinary Immigration Studies for Advocates with Villanova University. My time at La Esperanza in 2021 just proved to me that I love assisting people with the often-harrowing processes they are required to go through to apply for immigration benefits.
What motivates you personally to be part of La Esperanza’s mission, and why do you believe it’s crucial for Delaware’s Latino and immigrant communities?
I am married to a Mexican national, so the mission is very personal to me. While marriage made me aware of the challenges immigrants face in the US, I believe my true desire to do this work came from visiting the US/Mexico border in 2019. After speaking with migrants from Central America, non-profit employees who were serving the migrant population on both sides of the border, and Border Patrol, I was compelled to find a way to help. Since then, I’ve returned to the border for another trip in 2024 and have advocated for immigration reform with elected officials via Zoom meetings and on Capital Hill. La Esperanza was a crucial part of that journey because they provided me with the education and hands on practice I needed to gain accreditation. My ability to work with clients wouldn’t exist if not for them. I believe the work is important to Delaware’s Latino and immigrant communities because there is a critical shortage of Immigration Attorneys and Department of Justice Authorized Representatives, nationally. The need is great, and people often cannot afford attorney fees. La Esperanza is dedicated to providing excellent services at reduced fees.
Can you share a memorable experience or project you’ve worked on at La Esperanza that has made a significant impact on the community?
I believe that La Esperanza’s Citizenship Classes and assessment consultations are an excellent example of significantly impacting the community. People work very hard to follow the processes and getting to a place where they qualify to apply for Citizenship is a long journey. La Esperanza provides the extra care of guiding people through the education they need to successfully pass the civics and English tests required for Citizenship. I am not a part of providing the classes, but it is something I’m very impressed with and proud of. Other legal services we provide also allow people to gain status, work legally, and get driver’s licenses. They allow people to sponsor qualifying loved ones to join them here in the US. These things are life changing.
How has your work at La Esperanza shaped your understanding and interaction with the local Latino and immigrant communities?
Understanding the different and unique needs of the community has shaped my understanding and interactions significantly. Every day our staff are assessing wholistically what will help people thrive and be self-sufficient in their everyday lives. We are honored to be a part of their journeys. I take this mindset with me everywhere I go. It’s helped me to be a better listener and to recognize the value of networking to find new resources. It’s also helped me to advocate in a more meaningful way.
What do you think makes La Esperanza unique, and why is it an important resource for the Latino and immigrant communities in Delaware?
Right now, our country is in a very unstable place with immigration. I believe our services are that much more important because we offer much more than legal services. We offer a safe space to come for navigating life’s challenging situations, victim services, supplemental food, education and training opportunities, in addition to immigration legal services. Another thing that makes us unique is how we partner with others who are serving this community. We offer once a month free consultation clinics with caring attorneys who offer legal guidance and services with immigration, power of attorney, guardianship, and other emergency family planning needs.
What would you like to share with community members who may be feeling insecure right now?
I want them to know that they matter and are not alone. There are so many of us who care and who are looking for practical ways to support them. We want them not to be afraid to ask for the help they need. If they raise their voices, we will respond and walk with them through these difficult times.
How can people who might need assistance contact the Immigration Department?
They can call La Esperanza at 302-854-9262 to schedule an appointment for a consultation. We are happy to assess their case to consider any options that might be available to them.