News
285 South’s Unwavering Immigration Coverage
March 19, 2025
When Sophia Qureshi (she/her) founded 285 South, she set out to redefine immigration coverage in Metro Atlanta. In a region experiencing rapid demographic changes and shifting policies, immigrants needed more than just occasional news stories—they needed a newsroom dedicated to their communities.
“Immigration coverage often misses the most important perspective—the people living it every day,” Qureshi said. “That’s why 285 South exists. Our goal is to make sure immigrant and refugee communities aren’t just a side note in local news but a central focus.”
With support from The Pivot Fund, 285 South is continuing to build its newsroom by hiring a full time reporter (Gabriela Henriquez Stoikow) and a part time editor (Sam Worley), and working with a diverse group of freelance writers (Tasnim Shamma, Fiza Pirani, and Tracey Sadeghian) who are from immigrant communities in Metro Atlanta —ensuring that immigrant communities don’t just see the news but have a voice in it.
A Newsroom That Speaks to Immigrant Realities
From federal funding freezes impacting refugee resettlement agencies to Georgia’s legislature debating new anti-immigrant laws, 285 South informs immigrant communities in real-time.
“We know that immigrants in Georgia need more journalism that reflects the lives they’re living,” Qureshi says. “And more journalism that makes the changes to immigration and refugee policies at a national level – hit home on a local level. We’ve been continuing to center the human stories behind the headlines, and centering the priorities of our communities: sharing stories about how folks are supporting each other, as well as naming specific needs we’ve learned about – whether that’s jobs or mental health support.”
Recent investigations include:
- An Afghan family of 9 has not had electricity for more than 10 days, despite paying utility bills and rent.
- How the Laken Riley Act is affecting Latino residents in Athens. Now law, the federal legislation requires the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to detain undocumented immigrants charged with certain crimes regardless of conviction,
- The surge in new citizen voter registrations, adding 9,000 newly naturalized residents to Georgia’s voter rolls.
- Afghan families speak out over food stamp thefts.
- The fight for Spanish-language ballots, ensuring Latino voters have equitable access to elections.
- The impact of workplace raids on immigrant families, as deportation threats rise.
“We are here to make sure immigrants have the information they need to make decisions about their futures,” Qureshi said. “This coverage isn’t about policy in theory—it’s about people, families, and livelihoods.”
Expanding with The Pivot Fund’s Support
With funding from The Pivot Fund, 285 South is continuing to grow its capacity and deepen its community impact. This support ensures that immigrant communities aren’t just reading the news—they’re shaping it.
“Atlanta’s immigrant communities are growing, and they deserve a newsroom that grows with them,” Qureshi said. “285 South isn’t just reporting—we’re ensuring that immigrant voices help drive the conversation.”
By investigating critical issues, training new voices, and making news more accessible, 285 South is proving why independent, community-driven journalism matters—and why investing in immigrant-led newsrooms is essential for the future of local journalism.