Nation of Immigrants

Jacob Tingen

America is a nation of immigrants. Each week we dive into the stories of those who have left their homes behind and chosen the United States as their new home. From inspiring stories of resilience and adaptation to profound stories of dreams and hardships, each episode provides an intimate look into the experiences of those who have crossed lands and oceans in pursuit of a better life. As we navigate their backgrounds, traditions, and inspirations, listeners gain a richer understanding of what it means to be part of this great nation and to pursue the American dream. Join us in exploring the essence of America—one immigrant story at a time.

  1. Feb 21

    Episode 9: Charlie | Nations of Immigrants

    In this episode, we sit down with Charlie Schmidt, a civil rights attorney and newly elected member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Charlie shares his journey from the ACLU to representing District 77, where he continues his mission to bridge the "access to justice gap" for Virginia’s most vulnerable residents. We dive deep into the founding of the Richmond Community Legal Fund, a grassroots initiative providing direct legal and financial support to immigrants navigating an increasingly complex system. From skyrocketing filing fees to the constant threat of ICE enforcement, Charlie explains why community solidarity is more important now than ever. What We Discuss:From Advocacy to Action: The transition from civil rights law to legislative power in the House of Delegates.The Richmond Community Legal Fund: How this fund supports families with legal fees, bonds, and basic necessities.Barriers to Justice: The impact of rising immigration filing fees and how they are used as a deterrent.State vs. Federal: Protecting Virginia’s neighbors from federal encroachment and ICE targeting.Integrated Advocacy: Combining education, lobbying, and legal action to create systemic change. Whether you’re an advocate for immigrant rights, a Richmond local, or simply curious about how local government can protect its citizens, this episode offers a vital look at the intersection of law, politics, and community. Resources Mentioned in This Episode:If you need legal assistance or want to learn more about the processes discussed today, you can find these links in our show notes: Book a Consultation: tingen.law/r/qCODownload our Family-Based Green Card Guide: tingen.law/green-card-guide Enjoying the show? Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more people find these important stories. Make sure to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share this link with a friend who needs to hear it.

    49 min

About

America is a nation of immigrants. Each week we dive into the stories of those who have left their homes behind and chosen the United States as their new home. From inspiring stories of resilience and adaptation to profound stories of dreams and hardships, each episode provides an intimate look into the experiences of those who have crossed lands and oceans in pursuit of a better life. As we navigate their backgrounds, traditions, and inspirations, listeners gain a richer understanding of what it means to be part of this great nation and to pursue the American dream. Join us in exploring the essence of America—one immigrant story at a time.