San Francisco startup builds AI tool to assist millions of immigrants

In recent months, a San Francisco startup known as JustiGuide has been working on an AI-driven tool aimed at helping immigrants worldwide, including the estimated 10 to 12 million undocumented individuals living in the United States. This initiative is spearheaded by Bisi Obateru, who himself has navigated the complex challenges presented by the immigration system over a period spanning decades. Obateru's experience as an F-1 student transitioning through various visa categories to eventually seeking a green card significantly influenced his decision to create a platform dedicated to aiding others in similar situations. The JustiGuide portal is designed to be user-friendly, utilizing advancements in artificial intelligence to allow users to engage in their native languages while obtaining real-time answers to intricate immigration law questions. One of the primary goals of the platform is to connect immigrants with legal professionals, including those who offer pro-bono services, ensuring that they receive adequate support through their immigration journeys. This direct connection is crucial in a time when many individuals face significant bureaucratic obstacles and lengthy processing times for visas, green cards, and citizenship applications. Immigration analysts have raised concerns that the backlog in applications has become more pronounced over the years, particularly during previous administrative terms that prioritized extensive vetting and interviews. The current climate continues to reflect policy shifts that greatly affect processing times and outcomes. Bill Ong Hing, a professor of law and migration studies, has noted that platforms like JustiGuide hold potential in alleviating stressful wait periods by providing critical information and connecting applicants with reliable representation to assist them in submitting their documentation accurately. Beyond its practical applications, JustiGuide is actively pursuing funding to further enhance its services, including a non-profit arm that is organizing an event called Navigate Summit in October in San Francisco. This event aims to bring together immigrants, lawyers, and advocates to discuss technological advancements and resources that can better serve immigrant communities. The intent is to foster a supportive environment where immigrants can learn about their rights, the processes they must navigate, and how to leverage resources available to them for empowered and informed immigration journeys.