Justice, Immigration & Faith: Joanna DelFunt’s Passion for Advocacy
During this episode of North Georgia Business Radio, host Phil Bonelli welcomes immigration attorney Joanna DelFunt of DelFunt Law Firm for a compelling and timely conversation on immigration, justice, and navigating some of the most complex legal territory in America today.
Joanna shares the deeply personal and faith-driven journey that led her to immigration law. A graduate of Regent University’s Christian law school, she first felt called to help victims of human trafficking after hearing Christine Caine speak at a church conference. That calling took her to Cambodia, where she worked with young girls rescued from the horrors of sex trafficking — a life-altering experience that transformed both her worldview and professional mission.
Initially drawn to law to fight human trafficking, Joanna soon discovered the broader world of immigration law. As she worked on citizenship applications, asylum cases, T visas for trafficking victims, and family petitions, she became deeply invested in helping people navigate an incredibly complicated legal system — often with everything on the line.
Phil and Joanna dive into the real human stories behind the headlines. They explore the myths and misunderstandings around “doing it the right way,” highlight the micro-pathways (like family petitions, asylum, T and U visas), and discuss the painful realities for people who don’t qualify under any legal route.
Joanna also outlines recent changes in immigration policy, including the expansion of expedited removals and the evolving interpretation of DACA and TPS (Temporary Protected Status). She makes it clear that regardless of your political stance, treating immigrants with dignity and understanding is simply the right thing to do.
Joanna’s work is more than legal representation — it’s an act of service and advocacy. Guided by her Christian values, she sees each case as a calling to fight for justice, offer hope, and provide clarity in a system full of uncertainty.
Listeners will walk away from this episode more informed, more compassionate, and with a deeper appreciation for the complexities — and the people — behind immigration in America.
Learn more about Joanna’s work at DelFunt Law Firm and stay tuned for more powerful local stories every week on North Georgia Business Radio.
Connect with Joanna and the Delfunt Law Team:
https://www.facebook.com/delfuntlaw/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-delfunt-b9319273/
https://www.instagram.com/delfuntlaw/
Connect with Phil Bonelli:
https://www.facebook.com/Hopewell-Farms-GA-105614501707618/
https://www.instagram.com/hopewellfarmsga/
https://www.hopewellfarmsga.com/
Connect with Beau Henderson:
https://www.facebook.com/RichLifeAdvisors
https://www.facebook.com/NorthGARadioX
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Hopewell Farms GA
Roundtable Advisors
RichLife Advisors
Cadence Bank
Highlights of the Show:
00:30 – 02:45
Phil shares a personal family story from Ellis Island, setting the tone for an episode on immigration and the American dream.
03:46 – 08:00
Joanna explains how her Christian faith and a trip to Cambodia led her to fight human trafficking and eventually specialize in immigration law.
08:16 – 09:14
She shares a powerful case of a woman trafficked by a romantic partner and how a T visa helped her gain safety and a path to residency.
10:57 – 14:47
Joanna breaks down the public misconceptions about “doing it the right way” and explains the five narrow legal paths to immigration.
17:00 – 18:15
Phil and Joanna discuss the complexities of legal status, including how even a U.S. citizen spouse can’t always help an immigrant avoid years of separation.
23:43 – 24:35
Joanna reveals a new 2025 USCIS policy that threatens deportation for those actively pursuing legal status.
25:00 – 27:29
A discussion on the political pendulum of immigration policy and its devastating effects on families seeking stability.
28:53 – 30:48
Joanna explains TPS (Temporary Protected Status) and how changes leave long-time U.S. residents suddenly facing deportation.
33:29 – 36:27
She urges listeners to approach immigration issues with humility, emphasizing that even as an expert, she’s always learning.
38:36 – 39:23
Joanna outlines the expansion of expedited removals and what that means for immigrants caught in legal limbo.
40:00 – 40:27
Joanna closes with a message of hope for immigrant listeners: “God has a plan for your life.”
