Join VAAP at NWSCF: Supporting Immigrants in Detention

Every two weeks, VAAP staff and volunteers travel to the Northwest State Correctional Facility (NWSCF) to meet with individuals in ICE custody. These visits are a cornerstone of our detention defense work—providing crucial legal information, screenings, and support to people navigating immigration detention. Watch this informational video here.

We are actively seeking volunteer attorneys to accompany us. Your presence helps expand access to justice for those facing the most isolating and high-stakes circumstances. Even if you’re new to immigration law, we’ll equip you with guidance and resources so you can make an immediate impact. To better understand the urgency of this work, check out recent local media coverage highlighting conditions and challenges at NWSCF:

• https://vtdigger.org/2025/08/05/as-immigration-cases-surge-the-few-immigration-attorneys-in-vermont-struggle-to-keep-pace/

• https://vtdigger.org/2025/09/10/vermont-conversation-vermont-asylum-assistance-project-confronts-trumps-assault-on-immigrant-rights/

If you’re interested in joining an upcoming visit or learning more, please reach out—we’d love to have you alongside us!

Tuesday Mornings with VAAP. New, Simplified Case Rounds! Thanks to your feedback, we’ve simplified our case rounds schedule — no more alternating weeks or confusing changes! Starting now, every Tuesday on Microsoft Teams from 9-11AM:

• 🕘 9AM — Legal practitioners focus (attorneys, accredited reps, law students)

• 🕙 10AM — Lay advocates, volunteers, and community supporters focus

All are welcome at either or both sessions. General information only, not legal advice. Intros on arrival and no personally identifying information for clients, please. Come when you can, stay as long as you can, and no RSVP needed! As the National Lawyers Guild National Immigration Project (NIPNLG) remind us, building and engaging with communities of practice is the #1 way to ensure ethical, high-quality advocacy and to protect clients during this time. Thank you for helping us make immigration legal work more accessible, collaborative, and resilient!
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Tuesday Mornings with VAAP. New, Simplified Case Rounds! Thanks to your feedback, we’ve simplified our case rounds schedule — no more alternating weeks or confusing changes! Starting now, every Tuesday on Microsoft Teams from 9-11AM:

• 🕘 9AM — Legal practitioners focus (attorneys, accredited reps, law students)

• 🕙 10AM — Lay advocates, volunteers, and community supporters focus

All are welcome at either or both sessions. General information only, not legal advice. Intros on arrival and no personally identifying information for clients, please. Come when you can, stay as long as you can, and no RSVP needed! As the National Lawyers Guild National Immigration Project (NIPNLG) remind us, building and engaging with communities of practice is the #1 way to ensure ethical, high-quality advocacy and to protect clients during this time. Thank you for helping us make immigration legal work more accessible, collaborative, and resilient!
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📣 Be Heard on Vermont’s Act 29, Office of New Americans Study Committee. This year, Vermont passed Act 29, creating a Study Committee to design a statewide Office of New Americans equivalent. The Office would coordinate services for all foreign-born people and mixed-status families across Vermont—rather than distinguishing politicized subpopulations at risk of prejudicing immigrant inclusion based on status, country of origin, languages spoken, county of evidence, or other protected grounds.

Immigrants and the organizations that represent and serve them are too often left out of policymaking. This is a once-in-a-generation chance to make sure Vermont’s systems reflect the needs and voices of foreign-born Vermonters. VAAP supports Act 29 because it centers equity, strengthens communities, and invites systems-level accountability and coordination mechanisms for systems-wide problem solving. How to get involved:

• Join the public forums online and speak directly to the Committee. Each meeting will include a public comments section and anyone can ask to speak.

• Share written comments. Share them directly with the State Refugee Office, which is convening the Committee, at tracy.dolan@vermont.gov, or send them to VAAP at info@vaapvt.org so we can include them in our testimony.

First meeting is Friday, August 29, 2025 at11:00AM (virtual). Join the meeting and access meeting materials here. Let’s raise our voices together for state-level leadership on immigration justice in Vermont.

Tuesday Mornings with VAAP. New, Simplified Case Rounds! Thanks to your feedback, we’ve simplified our case rounds schedule — no more alternating weeks or confusing changes! Starting now, every Tuesday on Microsoft Teams from 9-11AM:

• 🕘 9AM — Legal practitioners focus (attorneys, accredited reps, law students)

• 🕙 10AM — Lay advocates, volunteers, and community supporters focus

All are welcome at either or both sessions. General information only, not legal advice. Intros on arrival and no personally identifying information for clients, please. Come when you can, stay as long as you can, and no RSVP needed! As the National Lawyers Guild National Immigration Project (NIPNLG) remind us, building and engaging with communities of practice is the #1 way to ensure ethical, high-quality advocacy and to protect clients during this time. Thank you for helping us make immigration legal work more accessible, collaborative, and resilient!
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Tuesday Mornings with VAAP. New, Simplified Case Rounds! Thanks to your feedback, we’ve simplified our case rounds schedule — no more alternating weeks or confusing changes! Starting now, every Tuesday on Microsoft Teams from 9-11AM:

• 🕘 9AM — Legal practitioners focus (attorneys, accredited reps, law students)

• 🕙 10AM — Lay advocates, volunteers, and community supporters focus

All are welcome at either or both sessions. General information only, not legal advice. Intros on arrival and no personally identifying information for clients, please. Come when you can, stay as long as you can, and no RSVP needed! As the National Lawyers Guild National Immigration Project (NIPNLG) remind us, building and engaging with communities of practice is the #1 way to ensure ethical, high-quality advocacy and to protect clients during this time. Thank you for helping us make immigration legal work more accessible, collaborative, and resilient!
________________________________________________________________________________

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Meeting ID: 299 027 927 804

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Tuesday Mornings with VAAP. New, Simplified Case Rounds! Thanks to your feedback, we’ve simplified our case rounds schedule — no more alternating weeks or confusing changes! Starting now, every Tuesday on Microsoft Teams from 9-11AM:

• 🕘 9AM — Legal practitioners focus (attorneys, accredited reps, law students)

• 🕙 10AM — Lay advocates, volunteers, and community supporters focus

All are welcome at either or both sessions. General information only, not legal advice. Intros on arrival and no personally identifying information for clients, please. Come when you can, stay as long as you can, and no RSVP needed! As the National Lawyers Guild National Immigration Project (NIPNLG) remind us, building and engaging with communities of practice is the #1 way to ensure ethical, high-quality advocacy and to protect clients during this time. Thank you for helping us make immigration legal work more accessible, collaborative, and resilient!
________________________________________________________________________________

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Meeting ID: 299 027 927 804

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________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday Mornings with VAAP. New, Simplified Case Rounds! Thanks to your feedback, we’ve simplified our case rounds schedule — no more alternating weeks or confusing changes! Starting now, every Tuesday on Microsoft Teams from 9-11AM:

• 🕘 9AM — Legal practitioners focus (attorneys, accredited reps, law students)

• 🕙 10AM — Lay advocates, volunteers, and community supporters focus

All are welcome at either or both sessions. General information only, not legal advice. Intros on arrival and no personally identifying information for clients, please. Come when you can, stay as long as you can, and no RSVP needed! As the National Lawyers Guild National Immigration Project (NIPNLG) remind us, building and engaging with communities of practice is the #1 way to ensure ethical, high-quality advocacy and to protect clients during this time. Thank you for helping us make immigration legal work more accessible, collaborative, and resilient!
________________________________________________________________________________

Microsoft Teams Need help?

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Meeting ID: 299 027 927 804

Passcode: 7rM23u8L

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________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday Mornings with VAAP. New, Simplified Case Rounds! Thanks to your feedback, we’ve simplified our case rounds schedule — no more alternating weeks or confusing changes! Starting now, every Tuesday on Microsoft Teams from 9-11AM:

• 🕘 9AM — Legal practitioners focus (attorneys, accredited reps, law students)

• 🕙 10AM — Lay advocates, volunteers, and community supporters focus

All are welcome at either or both sessions. General information only, not legal advice. Intros on arrival and no personally identifying information for clients, please. Come when you can, stay as long as you can, and no RSVP needed! As the National Lawyers Guild National Immigration Project (NIPNLG) remind us, building and engaging with communities of practice is the #1 way to ensure ethical, high-quality advocacy and to protect clients during this time. Thank you for helping us make immigration legal work more accessible, collaborative, and resilient!
________________________________________________________________________________

Microsoft Teams Need help?

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Meeting ID: 299 027 927 804

Passcode: 7rM23u8L

For organizers: Meeting options

________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday Mornings with VAAP. New, Simplified Case Rounds! Thanks to your feedback, we’ve simplified our case rounds schedule — no more alternating weeks or confusing changes! Starting now, every Tuesday on Microsoft Teams from 9-11AM:

• 🕘 9AM — Legal practitioners focus (attorneys, accredited reps, law students)

• 🕙 10AM — Lay advocates, volunteers, and community supporters focus

All are welcome at either or both sessions. General information only, not legal advice. Intros on arrival and no personally identifying information for clients, please. Come when you can, stay as long as you can, and no RSVP needed! As the National Lawyers Guild National Immigration Project (NIPNLG) remind us, building and engaging with communities of practice is the #1 way to ensure ethical, high-quality advocacy and to protect clients during this time. Thank you for helping us make immigration legal work more accessible, collaborative, and resilient!
________________________________________________________________________________

Microsoft Teams Need help?

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Meeting ID: 299 027 927 804

Passcode: 7rM23u8L

For organizers: Meeting options

________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday Mornings with VAAP. New, Simplified Case Rounds! Thanks to your feedback, we’ve simplified our case rounds schedule — no more alternating weeks or confusing changes! Starting now, every Tuesday on Microsoft Teams from 9-11AM:

• 🕘 9AM — Legal practitioners focus (attorneys, accredited reps, law students)

• 🕙 10AM — Lay advocates, volunteers, and community supporters focus

All are welcome at either or both sessions. General information only, not legal advice. Intros on arrival and no personally identifying information for clients, please. Come when you can, stay as long as you can, and no RSVP needed! As the National Lawyers Guild National Immigration Project (NIPNLG) remind us, building and engaging with communities of practice is the #1 way to ensure ethical, high-quality advocacy and to protect clients during this time. Thank you for helping us make immigration legal work more accessible, collaborative, and resilient!
________________________________________________________________________________

Microsoft Teams Need help?

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Meeting ID: 299 027 927 804

Passcode: 7rM23u8L

For organizers: Meeting options

________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday Mornings with VAAP. New, Simplified Case Rounds! Thanks to your feedback, we’ve simplified our case rounds schedule — no more alternating weeks or confusing changes! Starting now, every Tuesday on Microsoft Teams from 9-11AM:

• 🕘 9AM — Legal practitioners focus (attorneys, accredited reps, law students)

• 🕙 10AM — Lay advocates, volunteers, and community supporters focus

All are welcome at either or both sessions. General information only, not legal advice. Intros on arrival and no personally identifying information for clients, please. Come when you can, stay as long as you can, and no RSVP needed! As the National Lawyers Guild National Immigration Project (NIPNLG) remind us, building and engaging with communities of practice is the #1 way to ensure ethical, high-quality advocacy and to protect clients during this time. Thank you for helping us make immigration legal work more accessible, collaborative, and resilient!
________________________________________________________________________________

Microsoft Teams Need help?

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Meeting ID: 299 027 927 804

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________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday Mornings with VAAP. New, Simplified Case Rounds! Thanks to your feedback, we’ve simplified our case rounds schedule — no more alternating weeks or confusing changes! Starting now, every Tuesday on Microsoft Teams from 9-11AM:

• 🕘 9AM — Legal practitioners focus (attorneys, accredited reps, law students)

• 🕙 10AM — Lay advocates, volunteers, and community supporters focus

All are welcome at either or both sessions. General information only, not legal advice. Intros on arrival and no personally identifying information for clients, please. Come when you can, stay as long as you can, and no RSVP needed! As the National Lawyers Guild National Immigration Project (NIPNLG) remind us, building and engaging with communities of practice is the #1 way to ensure ethical, high-quality advocacy and to protect clients during this time. Thank you for helping us make immigration legal work more accessible, collaborative, and resilient!
________________________________________________________________________________

Microsoft Teams Need help?

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Meeting ID: 299 027 927 804

Passcode: 7rM23u8L

For organizers: Meeting options

________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday Mornings with VAAP. New, Simplified Case Rounds! Thanks to your feedback, we’ve simplified our case rounds schedule — no more alternating weeks or confusing changes! Starting now, every Tuesday on Microsoft Teams from 9-11AM:

• 🕘 9AM — Legal practitioners focus (attorneys, accredited reps, law students)

• 🕙 10AM — Lay advocates, volunteers, and community supporters focus

All are welcome at either or both sessions. General information only, not legal advice. Intros on arrival and no personally identifying information for clients, please. Come when you can, stay as long as you can, and no RSVP needed! As the National Lawyers Guild National Immigration Project (NIPNLG) remind us, building and engaging with communities of practice is the #1 way to ensure ethical, high-quality advocacy and to protect clients during this time. Thank you for helping us make immigration legal work more accessible, collaborative, and resilient!
________________________________________________________________________________

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Meeting ID: 299 027 927 804

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Join Vermont legal advocates, organizers, and community members for a collaborative “train the trainer” session on how to safely and effectively observe, accompany, and document immigration enforcement activity in Vermont and surrounding regions.

This session will train volunteers, legal professionals, and allies in critical skills for immigration legal observing, accompaniment practices, and data collection to support impacted individuals and communities. The goal is to empower attendees to share the information with their communities to quickly ramp up our potential volunteer base and increase access to verifiable, reliable information about how systems are actually functioning in today’s climate. We’ll cover:

• What to watch for at ICE check-ins, courthouse appearances, unaccompanied youth “wellness checks,” airport transfers, and detentions.

• How to record usable notes or other recordings for witness statements to support habeas corpus and other legal remedies.

• Best practices for safe and ethical data sharing to help document rights violations, combat misinformation and track enforcement trends.

• How accompaniment and community presence can protect rights and build solidarity.

This training is open to everyone committed to defending constitutional and statutory rights, especially for those who may serve as rapid-response witnesses, legal observers, or supporters in immigration enforcement contexts on the ground in Vermont.

🔗 Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/N84TaF55tx

SPECIAL SESSION! FREE 1.0 MCLE (ethics)

“Balancing Ethics, Competence, and Care in Immigration Law Practice”

On Tuesday June 24th, we’re excited to collaborate with VAAP pro bono attorney Lila Shapero and Vermont Bar Counsel Mike Kennedy on a special case rounds session that bridges core legal ethics with the unique challenges of immigration legal practice. We envision starting with Mike’s signature refresher on the Vermont Rules of Professional Conduct—particularly competence, confidentiality, communication, and conflicts—before transitioning into real-world hypotheticals drawn from our casework. These may include dilemmas such as disclosures on immigration forms (e.g., when a client has violated criminal laws without arrest), third-party consults, encrypted and app-based communication, and intra-family conflicts where representation intersects with domestic violence or diverging interests. We hope to explore the We also hope to explore risk mitigation strategies around the unauthorized practice of law and the ethical boundaries of subcontracted legal support, particularly relevant as VAAP expands VBF-funded partnerships with community-rooted providers like MJ and CASP. In addition, we’d welcome dialogue about opportunities for accountability in Vermont when opposing counsel—whether in civil enforcement or criminal prosecution—appear to act in bad faith or violate ethical rules.

We are also increasingly concerned about rising threats to immigration advocates, including recent political rhetoric suggesting prosecution or license revocation for attorneys who educate immigrants about their constitutional and federal legal rights; our novice pro bono volunteers already find the risk of incompetence to clients and themselves chilling. We’d value time to reflect on how afraid we should be, and what protective or strategic steps may be warranted.

Attendees, including attorneys, DOJ-accredited reps, legal fellows, and interns, will come prepared with “live” ethics questions for Mike to respond to in his signature bar counsel style. If time permits, we’d also be glad to include a segment on wellness and sustainability in legal practice—especially as an ethical imperative for those working in high-trauma environments.

All are welcome. General information only, not legal advice. Intros on arrival and no personally identifying information for clients, please. Come when you can, stay as long as you can, and no RSVP needed! As the National Lawyers Guild National Immigration Project (NIPNLG) remind us, building and engaging with communities of practice is the #1 way to ensure ethical, high-quality advocacy and to protect clients during this time. Thank you for helping us make immigration legal work more accessible, collaborative, and resilient! A summary of the discussion without attribution will be published on our blog.

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HAPPENING FRIDAY 6/20 FROM 1-2:30PM!

VAAP and VLGS Continuing Legal Education: Habeas Litigation to Prevent ICE Transfers and Prolongued Detention.
In response to the recent arrests of Nacho and Heidi and the need for immediate legal action this weekend, VAAP is convening an emergency CLE to mobilize the legal community around federal habeas corpus litigation as a strategic tool to prevent unnecessary ICE transfers, keep Vermont residents local, and increase their likelihood of release from detention pending removal proceedings. This training is new ground for us—we’ve never led this before and are learning in real time. We are especially eager to crowdsource expertise and welcome seasoned practitioners willing to co-create this resource, shape training materials, or even co-present. If you have relevant experience or insight, please contact us at info@vaapvt.org. 

Training Overview:

• Explore how habeas litigation in the District of Vermont can challenge unjust ICE detention and isolation practices

• Share tools to protect access to counsel and preserve local jurisdiction for detained Vermonters

• Build off the successful release efforts in the cases of Mohsen and Rumeysa, and scale this model as a coordinated defense strategy

Co-presenters will include attorneys from VAAP, the Center for Justice Reform Clinic, and partners (TBA). Training materials are in active development in concert with the ACLU of Vermont, Montroll Oettinger Barquist, Federal Defenders, and the VT Defender General’s Office Appellate Division. 

Who should attend: Any Vermont attorneys or legal professionals ready to take action. No prior immigration experience required. Just bring your commitment and curiosity. Let’s build something new together—urgently, collaboratively, and with the tools we have.

REGISTER AT https://forms.office.com/r/LnEFcd0em2.

CONTACT US AT INFO@VAAPVT.ORG.

Tuesday Mornings with VAAP. New, Simplified Case Rounds! Thanks to your feedback, we’ve simplified our case rounds schedule — no more alternating weeks or confusing changes! Starting now, every Tuesday on Microsoft Teams from 9-11AM:

• 🕘 9AM — Legal practitioners focus (attorneys, accredited reps, law students)

• 🕙 10AM — Lay advocates, volunteers, and community supporters focus

All are welcome at either or both sessions. General information only, not legal advice. Intros on arrival and no personally identifying information for clients, please. Come when you can, stay as long as you can, and no RSVP needed! As the National Lawyers Guild National Immigration Project (NIPNLG) remind us, building and engaging with communities of practice is the #1 way to ensure ethical, high-quality advocacy and to protect clients during this time. Thank you for helping us make immigration legal work more accessible, collaborative, and resilient!
________________________________________________________________________________

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Meeting ID: 299 027 927 804

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CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION PRESENTED BY VAAP

Immigration Bond Practice 101: Tools for Vermont Attorneys to Challenge ICE Detentions. Vermont lawyers showed up in force at the Vermont Lawyers March—now take the next step in helping Vermont legal services attorneys in bringing detained immigrants home. ICE routinely detains immigrants facing removal proceedings for no discernable reason and strategically isolates detainees in faraway detention centers, hoping they’ll give up on their meritorious applications and defenses and instead opt to self-deport. Vermont legal services attorneys are fighting back—filing Immigration Court motions for custody redeterminations and winning release. This 90-minute practical training will introduce you to immigration bond practice: how to challenge ICE detention and help reunite people with their families while their immigration cases move forward in court. Join this time-limited, high-impact effort! No prior immigration experience required, and no obligation to take on the full case after bond. Presented by attorneys from the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP). Register at https://www.vtbar.org/.

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION CO-PRESENTED BY VAAP

Employment-based Immigration: A Tool for Workforce Development and Removal Defense. Employment-based immigration tools aren’t just for corporate clients. In this advanced session, Vermont Bar Association Immigration Section Co-Chairs explore how employment pathways can intersect with humanitarian cases and removal defense strategies. From leveraging work-based visas for clients in removal proceedings to creative alternatives to employment authorization, this CLE will provide practical insights for expanding your advocacy toolbox. Ideal for practitioners ready to think outside the box and collaborate across immigration law subfields. Presented by Becky Fu von Trapp, Esq., founder of Von Trapp Immigration Law, who specializes in employment-based immigration, guiding Vermont employers and global talent through work visa and permanent residency processes; and Jill Martin Diaz, Esq., Executive Director, Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP), who focuses on humanitarian immigration law and removal defense. Register at https://www.vtbar.org/.

Cross-Cultural Client Representation (Elimination of Bias Credit)

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

FREE to Register and Co-Sponsored by Several AILA Chapters including AILA New England

Webinar speakers. David Wilks, Immigration Partner; Yasmin Blackburn, Immigration Attorney; Brittany Faith, Immigration Attorney; Petula McShiras, Immigration Attorney; Miki Matrician, Immigration Attorney

Agenda. Inclusivity is essential to success as an immigration lawyer, but implementing inclusivity in real life can be difficult. Panelists will provide tips on how best to build confidence and trusting relationships with clients from different cultures, navigate the immigration system, and celebrate America’s diversity. Topics include:
-Confronting and eliminating inappropriate or biased remarks in the office
-Making the client experience accessible to all: from your website to your services
-Bridging your client’s cultural viewpoint to the rigid guidelines of the U.S. government and addressing potential biases by the government
-Demonstrating techniques to address biases during client representation and meeting them where they are
-Understanding your client’s culture to improve your services

REGISTER HERE

Tuesday Mornings with VAAP. New, Simplified Case Rounds! Thanks to your feedback, we’ve simplified our case rounds schedule — no more alternating weeks or confusing changes! Starting now, every Tuesday on Microsoft Teams from 9-11AM:

• 🕘 9AM — Legal practitioners focus (attorneys, accredited reps, law students)

• 🕙 10AM — Lay advocates, volunteers, and community supporters focus

All are welcome at either or both sessions. General information only, not legal advice. Intros on arrival and no personally identifying information for clients, please. Come when you can, stay as long as you can, and no RSVP needed! As the National Lawyers Guild National Immigration Project (NIPNLG) remind us, building and engaging with communities of practice is the #1 way to ensure ethical, high-quality advocacy and to protect clients during this time. Thank you for helping us make immigration legal work more accessible, collaborative, and resilient!
________________________________________________________________________________

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Meeting ID: 299 027 927 804

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CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION CO-PRESENTED BY VAAP

Immigration Law 101: What Every Vermont Lawyer Should Know in 2025. Immigration law touches every practice area—from family law to employment, criminal defense to municipal governance—but few Vermont attorneys feel equipped to answer basic questions for their clients. Join the Vermont Bar Association’s newly appointed Immigration Section Co-Chairs for an accessible overview of the U.S. immigration system, with plain-language explanations of current hot topics, common client scenarios, and practical referral guidance. This session is designed for non-immigration practitioners seeking to better understand how immigration issues intersect with their work. Presented by Becky Fu Von Trapp, Esq., founder of Von Trapp Immigration Law, who specializes in employment-based immigration, guiding Vermont employers and global talent through work visa and permanent residency processes; and Jill Martin Diaz, Esq., Executive Director, Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP), who focuses on humanitarian immigration law and removal defense. Register at https://www.vtbar.org/.

Scenario and Action Planning in Times of Crisis

Date/Time
Date(s) - June 5, 2025,1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Fee: $40, Register at: Register Below (scroll down)

Nonprofits are slowly learning how the current administration’s actions will impact their services, funding, and ability to achieve their mission. Navigating this uncertainty can be challenging, but utilizing scenario planning allows organizations to build resilience by identifying potential responses and adapting strategically as federal policies evolve. In this training, participants will learn basic steps in scenario planning and will explore how to use the planning process in a hands-on activity. 

The first 30 minutes of this 90-minute training will go through: 

• How to explore external factors impacts on programming, operations, and funding. 

• How to prioritize factors contributing to the most likely and worst-case impacts. 

• And how to determine actions you can take to reduce negative impacts and risks. 

In the remaining time, participants will have the opportunity to work in pairs to use these tools for their own organization. The session will end with Q&A. 

Why participate? 

• Equips your organization with a framework to navigate uncertainty in an organized process, leading to actions that your organization can take now or later to reduce negative impacts and risks. 

• Empowers an organization’s staff and board to see what they can and/or should be doing now to build flexibility and resilience in the face of uncertainty. 

What will you get from the training? 

• Simple, four sets of questions to use to explore scenarios for your nonprofit. 

• Tools to use to document responses to the questions and the ‘plan’. 

• Opportunity to practice using the tools with colleagues from other organizations. 

• A draft plan for your organization. 

In Vermont's second mass immigration enforcement incident, 10 construction workers were detained on Friday in Newport. They were brought to the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans. Just last month, eight migrant workers were detained at a dairy farm in Berkshire -- half of them have already been deported.

Things are moving fast, even here in Vermont, and it's more important than ever that we stand up to the injustices happening within our communities. It's easy to disconnect from the onslaught of bad news, but I find that coming together often brings a renewed sense of hope and energy that we'll all need to succeed in this movement.

That's why I want to remind you about our No Kings Day Rally events coming up -- so we can show once more that we're one brave little state that refuses to back down.

Join us this Thursday, June 5 from 12 - 1pm for a community activism training on Zoom featuring ACLU of Vermont, 50501 Vermont, Representative Esme Cole, and VPIRG. You'll leave this free virtual training with information about:

•     Rally participation and details

•     Your legal protest rights

•     Safety and de-escalation strategies

•     Holding leaders accountable

•     Defending democracy and taking action

Whether you plan to join the No Kings Day Rally or not, this training webinar will offer you valuable tools sure to come in handy at future events.

NEW community defender training from the National Immigration Project (details below) -

⚖️ Understanding Federal Court Decisions
You may have seen a flurry of headlines over the past few months discussing immigration cases making their way through the federal courts. But what do these cases mean for you? Why does it seem that the same issue results in different decisions from different courts? What is the law where you are? This National Immigration Project training will help you understand the federal court system, teach you key vocabulary, and provide updates on two major current issues in immigration law: the Alien Enemies Act and third country deportations.

This training will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 form 1:30 am - 3:30 pm (PT) | 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm (ET). Learn more and register here. 

Tuesday Mornings with VAAP. New, Simplified Case Rounds! Thanks to your feedback, we’ve simplified our case rounds schedule — no more alternating weeks or confusing changes! Starting now, every Tuesday on Microsoft Teams from 9-11AM:

• 🕘 9AM — Legal practitioners focus (attorneys, accredited reps, law students)

• 🕙 10AM — Lay advocates, volunteers, and community supporters focus

All are welcome at either or both sessions. General information only, not legal advice. Intros on arrival and no personally identifying information for clients, please. Come when you can, stay as long as you can, and no RSVP needed! As the National Lawyers Guild National Immigration Project (NIPNLG) remind us, building and engaging with communities of practice is the #1 way to ensure ethical, high-quality advocacy and to protect clients during this time. Thank you for helping us make immigration legal work more accessible, collaborative, and resilient!
________________________________________________________________________________

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Meeting ID: 299 027 927 804

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MEDIA ADVISORY: May 30, 2025

VAAP to Host Urgent Training for Legal Volunteers Assisting ICE Detainees Today at 8:00AM

WHAT: The Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP) is urgently hosting an informal virtual training this morning for pro bono attorneys, legal workers, and interpreters interested in providing volunteer legal orientation and screening to ICE detainees currently held in Vermont correctional facilities. Members of the press and allied organizations are welcome to RSVP to observe the training as VAAP prepares to deploy volunteer legal teams statewide.

WHEN: Friday, May 31, 2025 from 8:00–9:30 AM ET  

WHERE: Join the MS Teams meeting now (ID: 250 713 468 513 7; email info@vaapvt.org for passcode) or dial in by phone +1 323-433-2356,,108568444# with passcode108 568 444#.

WHY NOW: ICE detained 11 construction workers near Newport yesterday, and an additional seven ICE detainees were transferred today from Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility to Burlington Airport. VAAP confirmed that ICE detainees are now being held in multiple Vermont facilities with extremely limited access to interpreters and legal advice. Immediate legal screening and Know Your Rights support are urgently needed.

DETAILS:

• This is an informal training intended to orient legal volunteers to detention-based immigration legal support.

• Participants are welcome to drop in and out as needed but will be asked to introduce themselves in the chat to maintain a secure space.

• The training will be recorded and shared with attendees.

• VAAP is coordinating with the Vermont Department of Corrections and the Legal Defense bar to clarify procedures for smooth and effective legal visitation.

Media Access: Journalists interested in observing the training or learning more about VAAP’s detention support response may RSVP by emailing info@vaapvt.org.

Witness footage and photos of recent ICE transfers are available upon request. Learn more at www.vaapvt.org.