The U.S. immigration system is known for being complex, difficult to navigate, and costly for immigrants. However, a promising startup called JustiGuide is aiming to change that narrative with the help of an AI-powered portal.
JustiGuide’s main goal is to assist immigrants in the U.S. (and eventually in other countries) in understanding immigration laws, determining their eligibility for different visas, and connecting them with immigration attorneys to streamline the entire process, making it more affordable and efficient.
Founder of JustiGuide, Bisi Obateru, who hails from Nigeria, shared his personal experience of navigating the U.S. immigration system after completing his studies in the country. His journey led him to obtain an H1-B visa, commonly used by tech workers, followed by a green card for permanent residency. This firsthand experience inspired him to launch JustiGuide to support other immigrants in a similar situation by providing them with the necessary tools and information in their native language.
JustiGuide recently won the best pitch in the Policy + Protection category at JS’s Disrupt conference, showcasing the recognition and potential of their innovative platform. Their target audience includes startup founders seeking assistance in hiring immigrants, individuals with an H1-B visa exploring other options, international students considering entrepreneurship, as well as lawyers and law firms. Obateru also envisions government institutions licensing their technology in the future.
The core of JustiGuide’s platform comprises an AI legal research assistant and a system that facilitates the pairing of lawyers and immigrants, promising a faster form-filling process. This service aids lawyers in compiling documents and streamlining procedures that would typically be handled by a paralegal. The platform boasts 47,000 users and relies on an AI named Dolores, trained on over 40,000 court cases sourced from the Free Law Project. Dolores also offers translations in 12 languages to cater to diverse immigrant populations.
To protect user privacy, JustiGuide ensures that their platform is stored on-premises and encrypted. Information is only exchanged when an immigrant connects with a lawyer, and certain user data is anonymized for added security. The startup is also in the process of registering as a law firm to directly connect users with their immigration attorneys.
Initially, JustiGuide programmed Dolores to scan social media platforms for keywords related to immigration queries and reach out to individuals in need. This proactive approach demonstrates their commitment to assisting immigrants in a personalized and efficient manner.
Overall, JustiGuide’s innovative approach to simplifying the immigration process for immigrants through AI technology showcases their dedication to empowering individuals and promoting accessibility within the legal system.
