Who Are We?
Soham Pandey
My name is Soham Pandey, a student at Skyline High School and a first-generation immigrant from Hyderabad, India. Aspiring to become a corporate lawyer, I’ve taken online legal courses through Yale and UPenn about Immigration Law, while also completing prestigious summer programs through Stanford, and Georgetown. I also serve as Vice President of my school’s Hindu YUVA club and am passionate about making legal resources more accessible for immigrant communities. I co-founded LAFI, a nonprofit that helps immigrants and refugees navigate the U.S. legal system by assisting with Green Card and Citizenship applications and connecting them to affordable attorneys, in order to help others like myself, and fill a gap in our legal system, to promote equality and equity, and give everyone the opportunities they deserve.
Yashas Vanagundi
As a first-generation immigrant, I know firsthand how complicated and confusing the U.S. immigration process can be. My family and I navigated the long journey to get our green cards and citizenship, which inspired my passion for law and helping others. I've since taken law courses at Yale and the University of Pennsylvania, but my real drive comes from the desire to simplify this process for others. I co-founded LAFI to provide clear, trustworthy legal assistance and answer any questions immigrants may have, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.
Yashwanth Pillutla
I’m Yashwanth Pillutla, i'm one of the co-founders of LAFI (Legal Aid for Immigrants). Together with my team, I launched this organization to make immigration legal support accessible and community‑centered. As a first‑generation American, I’ve seen the hurdles immigrant families face navigating the U.S. immigration system—which inspired me to build a space grounded in dignity, understanding, and empowerment. Beyond LAFI, I actively participate in student leadership and service, with involvement in DECA, Sewa, Hindu Yuva, and other community‑driven initiatives. I’m passionate about creating positive impact and advocating for those whose stories deserve attention and justice.
Why US?
At LAFI, we are committed to providing high-quality, accessible legal support to immigrants and refugees facing poverty-related legal issues. Here’s why you should trust us:
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100% Free Services: We understand the financial challenges many immigrants and refugees face. That's why all of our services are completely free, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to legal guidance and support.
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Expertly Educated Team: While I am not an attorney or law student, I have completed multiple prestigious courses, including the "Nuts and Bolts of Immigration Law" offered by institutions like Upenn and Yale. This solid foundation allows me to provide reliable, informed support.
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Continual Learning: I am dedicated to constantly expanding my knowledge. My future plans include attending more advanced courses to further enhance my expertise. This ensures that we stay up-to-date with the latest legal developments and can offer the best support possible.
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Focused on Immigrant and Refugee Needs: Our primary goal is to assist immigrants and refugees who may not have access to legal resources. With a deep understanding of these challenges, we tailor our approach to meet their unique needs.
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Trust and Commitment: At LAFI, we don’t just provide legal advice; we are passionate about empowering individuals with the information and resources they need to navigate the legal system successfully.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower immigrants and refugees facing unaffordable legal challenges by providing free legal guidance and connecting them with affordable, high-quality attorneys.
Contact Us
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.