Sally M. Joyner: MIA

Mid-South Immigration Advocates (MIA) is a nonprofit law firm established in 2013 by local immigration attorneys. The firm's core mission is to provide free and affordable immigration representation to low-income clients, serving communities throughout Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. MIA focuses on protecting vulnerable individuals by offering holistic legal representation to children, survivors of violence, asylum seekers, and families at risk of deportation.

Since its founding, MIA has provided direct representation to over 1,400 clients, with nearly 90% receiving pro bono services. The firm's programs include the Children's Project, Survivors' Project, Family Unity Project, and Asylum Initiative. Clients come from 42 different countries, and the firm serves individuals speaking Spanish and indigenous Mayan languages such as Akateko, Mam, Qʼanjobʼal, and Ki'che'. MIA maintains offices in Memphis and Nashville.