VT immigration bills signed into law
This legislative session marked a significant milestone in our collective journey toward a more inclusive Vermont. The Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP), alongside our dedicated partners, played a pivotal role in advocating for several critical pieces of legislation aimed at protecting and empowering immigrant communities.
Key Legislative Achievements:
S.56 - Toward an “Office of New Americans” (ONA) Equivalent:
S.56 brings Vermont into line with a bipartisan network of about half the states that already authorize state-level coordination of immigrant service provision across subpopulations and sectors. The bill calls for a study and consultation period chaired by Tracy Dolan of the State Refugee Office, lead by a small group of affinity and state representatives, and open to anyone and everyone. VAAP looks forward to participating actively in the consultation process to ensure a broad-base of buy-in for a state of the art coordination and systems advocacy mechanism that Vermont sorely lacks in this challenging period.
S.44 – Enhancing Oversight of Immigration Agreements:
S.44 introduces checks and balances on Vermont agencies' authority to enter into agreements with federal immigration authorities, such as ICE. The bill requires legislative oversight for any such agreements, ensuring transparency and accountability in decisions that impact immigrant communities.H.98/S.95 – Protecting Family Unity:
These combined bills focus on safeguarding immigrant and LGBTQ+ families. H.98 streamlines confirmatory adoption procedures for parents using assisted reproduction, while S.95 establishes standby guardianships for children whose parents face adverse immigration actions. Together, they provide legal clarity and security for diverse family structures.S.123 – Expanding Access to Driver's Licenses and IDs:
S.123 allows individuals to renew their Vermont driver's licenses at any time before expiration, rather than only within six months prior. This change offers greater flexibility and accessibility for all residents, including immigrants who may face unique challenges in the renewal process.
Our Collective Efforts:
Expert Testimony: VAAP provided critical insights to legislative committees, highlighting the challenges faced by immigrants and the need for these legislative changes.
Coalition Building: We united over 25 organizations, including Migrant Justice, the ACLU of Vermont, and the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, to support these initiatives.
Community Engagement: Through our blog and media outreach, we kept the public informed and engaged, ensuring widespread support for the legislation.
Looking Ahead:
The establishment of the Vermont ONA study committee, chaired by Tracy Dolan, Director of the State Refugee Office, is a crucial next step. This committee will explore how a centralized office can improve service coordination, streamline resource delivery, and advocate for inclusive policies benefiting all immigrant workers.
Your Involvement Matters:
As we move forward, your participation in the study committee meetings is crucial. By sharing your experiences, insights, and suggestions, you can help shape a more inclusive and supportive environment for all immigrants in Vermont. Stay informed about upcoming meetings and opportunities to contribute. Together, we can build a Vermont that truly welcomes and supports everyone.
