IMMIGRANTS IN VT

VAAP serves immigrant Vermonters who originate in every continent, with most clients seeking asylum or humanitarian protection after fleeing persecution, conflict, or extreme hardship. Many are farmworkers, unaccompanied minors, or survivors of torture, trafficking, or domestic violence, and most face complex legal cases without the right to a public defender. Language barriers, rural isolation, and trauma compound the legal challenges our clients face as they fight to stay safe and build stable futures in Vermont.

IMMIGRANTS ARE GOOD FOR THE VT ECONOMY

Vermont’s economy depends on immigration to address its aging workforce and fill critical labor gaps, with immigrants already contributing hundreds of millions in taxes and spending power and showing high rates of entrepreneurship. However, despite their vital role, immigrants face systemic barriers to workforce integration, including fragmented services, language and licensing hurdles, and limited access to culturally appropriate business support and capital. Review American Immigration Council’s analysis of the economic impact of immigrants in Vermont here.

LEGAL SERVICES SAVE VT MONEY

Investing in immigration legal services is both a moral and economic imperative for Vermont. Civil legal assistance programs—including those serving immigrants—generate an estimated $11 in economic activity for every $1 invested, by preventing costly crises such as detention, deportation, homelessness, and workplace exploitation. As demand for legal help continues to outpace resources, targeted support for immigration legal services strengthens workforce stability, protects vulnerable families, and ensures Vermont meets its access to justice commitments. Read the Vermont Access to Justice Coalition’s research and advocacy work here.

VT LEGAL SERVICES NEED COORDINATION

Maya Tsukazaki, Esq. completed an impactful 2022–24 Vermont Poverty Law Fellowship with a landmark final report calling for state investment in universal representation, coordinated intake, volunteer support, and legal reforms to better serve noncitizen Vermonters. Over two years, she directly represented clients in 100+ immigration matters, led statewide outreach and education, and helped advance policy and litigation in partnership with VAAP and others. Her work leaves a lasting blueprint for improving Vermont’s immigration justice system—uniting data, advocacy, and coalition-building to advance equity for all. Read her final report here.