\ud83d\udd0d Fuel in-depth news for your community<\/strong><\/p>\n In-depth journalism takes time, resources and community support. Your gift powers reporting that helps Tarrant County make sense of complex issues. Help us reach our $400,000 goal<\/strong> and keep this work going in 2026.<\/p>\n Rosa Berdeja, a fellow immigration attorney who credits Garza for helping her find a passion for the field, said Garza is always willing to fight for her clients, at any time or place.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cVeronica is an exceptional attorney driven by a genuine passion for serving those who are most vulnerable,\u201d she wrote in an email to the Report. \u201cShe shies away from the spotlight, as those with a servant\u2019s heart often do. This recognition is crucial because it highlights just how remarkable she truly is.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The outcomes of immigration proceedings can be life-altering, but those unable to afford an attorney are not provided with one because immigration court is a civil proceeding. Without pro bono representation, immigrants can face the proceedings alone.<\/p>\n Welcome to 52 Faces<\/strong><\/p>\n 52 Faces of Community<\/a> is a Fort Worth Report weekly series spotlighting local unsung heroes. It is sponsored by Central Market<\/a>, H-E-B<\/a> and JPS Health Network<\/a>.<\/p>\n At the end of the year, these rarely recognized heroes will gather for a luncheon where the Report will announce one honoree to represent Tarrant County at the Jefferson Awards in Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n Children may also have to navigate family court. A relative or family friend in the U.S. may be able to obtain custody of the minor, a step toward qualifying for the right to stay in the country. But cost can keep a guardian from hiring an attorney. Without one to assist, the child could miss out on an opportunity to stay they would have qualified for otherwise.<\/p>\n Some children sit in the courtroom clutching a toy for comfort, too young to understand what is happening, Garza said. Others are teenagers forced by hardships to grow up too fast.<\/p>\n Garza finds the work both emotional and rewarding.<\/p>\n \u201cEven though it\u2019s really hard, I love those cases,\u201d she said. \u201cThey\u2019re part of my heart and why I love immigration work. It\u2019s because you get to make a difference in those children\u2019s lives.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVeronica is an exceptional attorney driven by a genuine passion for serving those who are most vulnerable.\u201d<\/p>\n Rosa Berdeja, immigration attorney<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Garza got her start in immigration law through a fellowship at Catholic Charities Fort Worth when she was a student at the Texas Wesleyan School of Law, now the Texas A&M School of Law. Catholic Charities hired her as a staff attorney following graduation.<\/p>\n Know an unsung hero in Tarrant County?<\/p>\n Tell us about them by filling out the form below. <\/p>\n Garza\u2019s experience with the immigration system may have been unnecessary and difficult, but it instilled in her the importance of representation. It also helps her empathize with her clients.<\/p>\n \u201cNow I\u2019m like, well, if I hadn\u2019t gotten through that, maybe I wouldn\u2019t care as much as I do today about our clients and their experiences and what they\u2019re going through,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Fifteen years in and driven by a sense of purpose, Garza still loves her work. She has no plans to let up any time soon.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s really difficult right now with everything that\u2019s happening, but we need good advocates,\u201d she said. \u201cWe need people who care and who will make a difference, and so, we\u2019re going to keep going. If we can, we\u2019re going to keep going until the end.\u201d<\/p>\n McKinnon Rice is the higher education reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at mckinnon.rice@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Fort Worth Report partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage.<\/p>\n At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative<\/a> for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.<\/p>\n Republish This Story<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1763255776_305_2-edited.png\")
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