Meet Norma Gallegos, Founder and Legal Director of Hand in Hand Immigration Services

For more than a decade, Norma Gallegos has dedicated her career to helping immigrants navigate the complex path to U.S. citizenship. As founder and legal director of Hand in Hand Immigration Services, she has built an organization that provides trusted legal guidance, citizenship education and community outreach across North Central Washington, serving thousands of individuals and families along the way. 

A Department of Justice-accredited representative and an immigrant herself, Gallegos understands firsthand the challenges many of her clients face. In this Executive Q&A, she discusses the growing demand for immigration legal services, the role immigrants play in the region's economy, and her mission to ensure every eligible person has access to accurate information, compassionate support and the opportunity to achieve the American dream.

1. Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself.

I  am Norma Gallegos, the Program Legal Office Director for Hand in Hand Immigration Services and a Department of Justice-accredited representative Since 2015, Hand in Hand has offered citizenship and civic education classes, helping thousands of immigrants navigate the complicated and costly process of obtaining U.S. citizenship. Gallegos’ family immigrated from northern Michoacán, Mexico, to the United States in the 1970s. Being an immigrant myself has helped me understand the importance of my work.

2. What inspired you to found Hand in Hand Immigration Services? What need did you see in the community?

The needs of our community drove my decision to assist immigrant families. The last time I checked, 300,000 Washingtonians are lawful permanent residents. According to the Office of Homeland Security 180,000 Washington permanent residents/green card holders are eligible to become U.S. Citizens as of 2024. Good, hard-working people did not know where to go or how to navigate the immigration system. It was painful for me to see so many people who had the legal right to become U.S. citizens but, because of a lack of proper information, education, or financial resources, were not able to apply for citizenship. I decided to make a difference. 

3. How has Hand in Hand Immigration Services evolved since it was established?

Even though we have faced many challenges such as COVID-19 in 2020 and changes in the current administration, we have continued serving our community despite the complications of reaching rural communities due to fear and anxiety. Many people are fearful, but we have managed to reach rural areas in Okanogan, Adams, and Grant counties. We have also collaborated with over 20 faith-based organizations and over 10 schools.

4. How would you describe the demand for immigration legal services in North Central Washington today?

We continue to receive calls from other counties, other states, and even from outside of the United States. Our office receives walk-ins and phone calls every day from people with a variety of immigration needs. The demand for immigration legal services is overwhelming. We see much fraud happening and not enough experienced immigration attorneys to meet the needs of our community.

5. What are some of the biggest challenges your clients face, and how has your organization adapted to meet those needs?

Clients are becoming increasingly anxious and fearful of the uncertainty in the immigration process because of misinformation. USCIS processing times to adjudicate applications have tripled, fees have increased, the citizenship has changed and many of our seniors are simply giving up and wanting to withdraw their pending application. Most applicants have already waited more than a year for their appointments, and now many are afraid to attend their scheduled interviews for fear of being denied. 

6. As founder and legal director, what has been your leadership philosophy in building and growing Hand in Hand Immigration Services?

We decided to offer a monthly information session open to the general public, as well as a free consultation walk-in day, to make sure people had the opportunity to come in, be heard, and be guided at no cost.

To continue following our mission, we have expanded our services to rural and underserved communities where people need to understand their rights. Our goal is to provide services utilizing satellite programs, bringing information and support to places where people feel comfortable so we can assist them or refer them to other resources where they will be treated with dignity and respect.

7. What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a business and nonprofit leader, and what have you learned from them?

As a nonprofit organization, one of our biggest challenges has been educating our community about the immigration process. Many people do not understand the steps involved or recognize the privilege of being born in the United States. We continue to offer free monthly information sessions to the general public, including churches and schools. We are committed to educating our community, especially those who have never gone through the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. Becoming a citizen is a lifelong journey, from the very beginning to taking the oath. Many people assume that immigrants are a load on the system or that USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) is funded by taxes. That is not true. USCIS Fees are paid by applicants, and immigration attorney fees can be very expensive and USCIS appointments can take months or even years.

8. How do immigration legal services contribute to the region's workforce, businesses and overall economy?

Immigrants are the backbone of our agricultural industry. Chelan County has an estimated population of over 81,000 people, with approximately 30% identifying as Hispanic or Latino in  our area, more than half of the population is made up of immigrants, according to the school district. Many immigrants have started businesses, including stores, orchards, beauty salons, and cleaning services, through our program. They also create jobs for residents. Immigrants are an essential part of our community and greatly contribute to our local economy.

9. Collaboration is an important part of serving communities. What partnerships have been especially valuable to Hand in Hand's work?

Over the last few years, the number of people walking through our doors seeking support has nearly tripled. Community partnerships have become a necessity to providing services that are essential to meeting these needs. Referrals have increased tremendously, and we have learned to work with agencies that provide services we do not offer. We guide our clients, share our knowledge, make referrals when appropriate, and follow up to help ensure they received the correct services.

10. Looking ahead, what trends or issues do you believe will have the greatest impact on immigration legal services in North Central Washington?

One issue is the lack of affordable immigration legal services and safe community spaces where people feel comfortable sharing and coming forward without fear. Many families are also struggling  with fear reaching  resources such as healthcare, food, and housing.

11. What goals or priorities do you have for Hand in Hand Immigration Services over the next several years?

Our priority is to make sure that every person with a pending case receives the time, preparation, and support they deserve, especially those who have been patiently waiting for their interviews. Our goal is to make sure every person takes their oath, feels motivated to get involved in community decisions, and feels proud of belonging.

12. What has been the most rewarding part of your work, and what accomplishment are you most proud of?

 It is such an honor to see how people are so appreciative after having accomplished their dream. Being able to witness the joy of someone who never thought they would have the opportunity to step foot in a school and is now able to feel so proud after a well-deserved accomplishment means so much to me. Many times I have been asked to share a success story, and I want to respond: Everyone who walks through our door is a story. For us, being able to hold hands with them and support them is an honor.