VAAP & Partners Launch Defense Fund
For Immediate Release: May 8, 2025
Press Contact: Natalie Silver, (347) 461-4982; Patti Komline, (908) 938-1616
Vermont Leaders Launch Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fund looks to raise $1 million to strengthen legal representation for immigrants in Vermont
Montpelier, VT — Vermont leaders today launched the Vermont Immigration Legal Defense Fund, a new initiative to ensure no one in Vermont faces deportation, detention, or family separation without legal representation.
Spearheaded by State Treasurer Mike Pieciak, Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale, the campaign aims to raise $1 million to expand access to immigration legal defense and build long-term infrastructure to support immigrant families in Vermont.
“This effort is about protecting Vermonters. Period. Immigrants in Vermont aren’t just workers, they are our neighbors, friends, and community members. They are an essential part of our economy,” said Pieciak. “Due process is what sets our country apart from authoritarian regimes, and it does not truly exist unless one has adequate legal representation to navigate the complex legal and immigration systems. It is now clear that the federal government cannot be trusted to protect our neighbors, and it is on us to stand up for the Vermont values of fairness and justice.”
The United Way of Northwest Vermont is partnering with this effort to provide administrative support for the fund and to ensure donations to the fund are tax deductible.
Funds will support the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP) and partner organizations that provide direct legal services and pro bono support. VAAP, founded in 2021, has already helped over 300 individuals statewide and trained more than 100 Vermont attorneys to step up as volunteer defenders.
“In the past year alone, we’ve served every county in Vermont,” said Jill Martin Diaz, VAAP’s Executive Director. “But the need is skyrocketing. We have the legal talent—what we lack is capacity. This fund will change that.”
Vermont’s immigrant communities contribute over $500 million in taxes and $1.2 billion in annual spending. Yet without legal representation, many face devastating outcomes.
“Over the past month, elected officials have been receiving calls from families overcome by fear and uncertainty related to the immigration status of a loved one. We are all less safe if they feel they are fighting alone and don’t know their legal options,” said Senator Ram Hinsdale. “Vermont can lead the way nationally in showing that we take care of our own, regardless of immigration status.”
Three of the campaign’s leaders—Pieciak (in his personal capacity in this case), Sue Minter, and Patti Komline—previously collaborated on the Main Street Flood Recovery Fund, raising $1 million for small businesses after the July 2023 floods. Now, they’re applying that same energy to protect Vermont families.
“This is a moment for all Vermonters—business owners, faith leaders, neighbors, and advocates—to come together,” said Jesse Bridges, CEO of United Way of Northwest Vermont, “United is the way we can uphold our commitment to justice and human dignity.”
Learn more and donate at: www.vermontlegaldefensefund.com
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