July 2, 2026

Plus, Year-End Reporting Preview, Staffing Transitions, and State House Recap

View this email in your browser Vermont Asylum Assistance Project is a legal services and technical assistance organization that exists to mentor no-cost and low-cost immigration lawyers and legal workers; educate and serve VT immigrants and community members; maximize impact across sectors; and advocate to protect immigrants’ rights. Join us: www.vaapvt.org. Donate to VAAP Want to read this newsletter in Spanish, French, Haitian Creole, Dari, or Portuguese? Visit www.vaapvt.org/newsletters and select your language in the top right corner. ¿Desea leer este boletín en español, francés, criollo haitiano, dari o portugués? Visite www.vaapvt.org/newsletters y seleccione su idioma en la esquina superior derecha. Quer ler este boletim em espanhol, francês, crioulo haitiano, dari ou português? Visite www.vaapvt.org/newsletters e selecione seu idioma no canto superior direito. Voulez-vous lire ce bulletin en espagnol, français, créole haïtien, dari ou portugais? Visitez www.vaapvt.org/newsletters et choisissez votre langue en haut à droite. Vle li bilten sa a an panyòl, fransè, kreyòl ayisyen, dari oswa pòtigè? Ale sou www.vaapvt.org/newsletters epi chwazi lang ou anlè adwat. آیا می‌خواهید این خبرنامه را به اسپانیایی، فرانسوی، کریول هایتی، دری یا پرتغالی بخوانید؟ به www.vaapvt.org/newsletters بروید و زبان خود را در گوشهٔ بالا سمت راست انتخاب کنید. FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Making Sense of TPS❤️‍🩹 Today 7/2 at 11am the Vermont State Refugee Office is hosting VAAP for an online discussion about the Supreme Court’s abhorrent Temporary Protected Status ruling and what its fallout may mean for immigrant community members in Vermont. We hope you will join, share, listen, ask questions, and help make sure reliable information reaches the people who need it most. In a moment of fast-moving federal change, one of the most powerful things we can do is stay informed, stay coordinated, and stay ready. If you are not a Refugee and Immigrant Service Providers Network (RISPNET) member, email scheduling@vaapvt.org for the meeting link. RISPNET members should have received an Outlook invitation directly and other can email scheduling@vaapvt.org to request the Microsoft Teams link. A Marathon, not a Sprint🛣️ This month’s developments are not isolated. We knew this administration would continue its crusade to make more and more people removable, push them closer to detention, and make them easier to coerce into giving up their cases or “self-deporting.” We knew the attacks would come through many doors at once: TPS terminations, parole revocations, public charge rules, rushed immigration court dockets, ICE transfers, detention pressure, and new barriers for children and young people seeking protection.  And we knew our job would be to double down. That means holding the line. Seeking judicial oversight. Vindicating constitutional and civil rights for all. Reducing the harmful impact of these federal attacks on our family members, friends, neighbors, clients, students, coworkers, and communities as much as possible. The stakes are visible everywhere. Recent reporting from Nebraska Public Media describes immigrant youth racing against the clock to protect their eligibility for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, a critical pathway for children who have experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect. The process requires young people to navigate overlapping state and federal systems, often with tight deadlines and without guaranteed legal representation. On Juneteenth, NILC’s Kat Calvin reminded us that today’s public charge debates are not new or neutral; they are rooted in a long history of anti-Black exclusion, racial control, and the policing of mobility in the wake of slavery. Here in Vermont, Vermont Public marked Juneteenth with a conversation about Vermont’s Black history and the present state of DEI, reminding us that local history and national backlash are always connected. At VAAP, we are entering the new fiscal year with that bird’s-eye view: clear-eyed about the threats, grounded in our values, and ready to keep building the infrastructure this moment requires. We are also entering a season of transition. Our beloved colleague Devon Ayers, recently promoted to Deputy Director, is on bar study leave this summer and we are cheering her on as she prepares for the July Vermont bar exam. On July 31, we will say a deeply grateful farewell to two longtime VAAPers, Emma Matters-Wood and Leah Brenner, who are both moving out of state to be closer to family. Emma and Leah have helped build VAAP’s direct representation, detention defense, service learning, and day-to-day culture with extraordinary care and integrity. We will have more to say soon, but today we simply want to say: thank you. We are also growing into our next chapter. On July 1, Erin Jacobsen became VAAP’s inaugural Advocacy Director, and Maggie Frye became VAAP’s inaugural Pro Bono Director. These new roles reflect where VAAP is headed: stronger statewide advocacy, deeper partner coordination, and a more durable pro bono system for Vermont. Updates directly from them are forthcoming in next month's newsletter. We also want to be transparent about what these transitions mean for new legal intake in the months ahead. Our incoming Immigrant Justice Corps Fellow, Aditi Karod, will not be fully trained and accepting casework until late September, leaving us short-staffed and triaging transferred cases from departing attorneys for August. This season, VAAP’s direct intake capacity will likely focus on consultations only (comprising brief advice, emergency triage, and referrals to partner organizations where appropriate). We will continue working through the burgeoning Vermont Immigration Legal Services Roundtable previewed last newsletter issue to connect people with available help, while prioritizing existing clients, detained people, urgent deadlines, and cases where VAAP is uniquely positioned to step in. And still: a tremendous volume of impactful legal work is moving. Formal annual reporting is coming soon, but early numbers from the 2026 fiscal year that just closed show what this community made possible at VAAP: Over 130 consultations with ICE detainees, 13 of which became full-scope representations At least 16 Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs) filed so detainees could stay in Vermont and access legal assistance Over 100 new cases opened for community members beyond Department of Corrections visits At least 5 removal proceedings terminated for vulnerable noncitizen youth and adults improperly venued in Immigration Court proceedings. At least 28 volunteer attorneys and 25 volunteer interpreters mobilized Over 10 legal clinics, community education events, or pro se support projects completed Offered 19 expert-based testimonies at public hearings Over 170 intake forms reviewed since launching coordinated intake in February 2026 Hundreds of behind-the-scenes filings, consults, screenings, referrals, strategy meetings, and interventions completed for new and existing clients. Dozens of statewide partners engaged through coordinated intake, detention response, policy advocacy, community education, and pro bono mobilization. These numbers belong to all of us. They would not have been possible without the exceptional support and solidarity from our wider community, exemplified not least by the Vermont Immigration Legal Defense Fund surpassing its $1 million fundraising goal last month—an extraordinary milestone made possible by hundreds of donors, partner organizations, foundations, faith communities, businesses, and volunteers across the state.  We also want to recognize Mohsen Mahdawi, whose vision, advocacy, and leadership helped inspire the creation of the Fund. At a time when Mohsen is himself facing renewed deportation proceedings, we are reminded that reaching one milestone does not mean the work is done. We must consolidate what we have built. We are already seeing new pressures emerge—from rushed immigration court proceedings to a sharp increase in federal denaturalization lawsuits. These developments point to one reality: the demand for high-quality immigration legal services is only going to grow. That is why this moment calls not for complacency, but for solidarity. Vermont has shown what is possible when communities, attorneys, nonprofits, advocates, and neighbors come together around a shared commitment to fairness and belonging. As we begin a new fiscal year, we do so with gratitude, determination, and confidence that, together, we can continue building a Vermont where every person is treated with dignity and has meaningful access to justice. In a hurry? Click a subject link to jump to the corresponding section, featuring relevant resources, referral updates, policy and practice developments, and more: For Your Calendar For Communities For Attorneys From the State House From Our Partners From the Media From Our Team See you shortly for the TPS meeting at 11am! With care, Jill Martin Diaz, Esq. Executive Director And P.S., please donate to the Vermont Freedom Fund, detained Vermonters' primary source of financial assistance for paying the exhorbitent bond amounts that immigration judges order as a precondition for their release from ICE detention.   Need an immigration lawyer in VT? vaapvt.org/help Need rapid response for an ICE emergency happening now? (802) 881-7229 (Migrant Justice) Report non-emergency ICE sightings and secondhand reports: vaapvt.org/icetracker Access Know Your Rights & Self-Help: vaapvt.org/library Donate to VAAP FOR YOUR CALENDAR July 2026 7/1-7/4: VT Judiciary Celebration in Montpelier, including a naturalization ceremony, historical exhibits, readings of the Declaration of Independence, educational programs, and community activities honoring Vermont’s history and democratic traditions. Learn more here. 7/5: Many Voices, One Vermont - a radio show coproduced by CVRAN, USCRI and VAAP. Listen to the new episode next Sunday at 1pm at WBTV-LP 99.3 FM and catch up on the past episodes here. 7/18: Voices of Resistance at the Highland Center for the Arts, a concert to benefit Migrant Justice and VAAP. Get your ticket here. 7/30: Freedom for All concert at Grafton Community Church, with Tricia Surani and David Naughton. See poster here. Save the Date: 8/6: Burlington-based indie rock band Sweet Tooth will host a benefit concert for VAAP on August 6th at the Monkey House in Winooski. More information forthcoming! 9/25-27: Vermont Human Rights Commission’s second annual Civil Rights Summit! This event brings together advocates, attorneys, organizers, and community members for conversations on a range of pressing civil rights issues.  11/5: Annual Justice Gala at Burlington Beer Co. Hosted by the Vermont Bar Foundation, Vermont Legal Aid, and Legal Services Vermont. Join the legal and justice communities as we celebrate efforts to expand access to justice with music, great food, and awards honoring outstanding advocates. FOR COMMUNITIES Reminder! If you need immigration legal assistance in Vermont, you can start by requesting a legal screening at vaapvt.org/help. In coordination with AALV, VAA, VLA, and CJRC, VAAP helps connect people to the right support at the right time in a way that is structured, ethical, and responsive. The form is available in English and Spanish, with English written and video explainers at the link (more translations coming soon). Here are key takeaways from our Community Case Rounds on 6/2/2026:  Afghan Re-Examination & Policy Changes: Participants discussed recent immigration policy changes affecting Afghan nationals. Additional research is underway, and the topic will be revisited at future Attorney and Community Case Rounds. An updated resource from IRAP was shared. Understanding the Asylum Process: The group reviewed the distinction between affirmative asylum applications filed with USCIS and defensive asylum claims pursued in immigration court, as well as how cases can move between the two systems. Immigration Court Hearings: Community members were reminded to check hearing dates regularly, as immigration court hearings continue to be rescheduled with little notice. Case Processing Concerns: Participants discussed reports of procedural confusion and errors in some asylum and removal cases, underscoring the importance of reviewing official documents carefully and consulting legal counsel. Nonprofit Compliance Questions: Organizations shared questions about bookkeeping, audits, stipends, and tax reporting requirements. Additional guidance from nonprofit and tax experts may be needed on issues such as reporting payments made to landlords or service providers. ITINs, Identification, and Employment Authorization: The group discussed questions about ITINs, access to government-issued identification, and challenges faced by individuals who lack primary identity documents. Participants also noted that some derivative beneficiaries may be eligible for employment authorization. Tax and Family Law Questions: Participants raised questions about how tax filings, caregiving responsibilities, and dependent claims may intersect with future immigration benefits, though no definitive guidance emerged. Ongoing Information Sharing: Community Case Rounds continue to provide a space for organizations to identify emerging issues, share resources, and collaborate on practical solutions for Vermont's immigrant communities. Thank you for participating! Click here to register for our next Community Case Rounds on 7/7 at 10AM. In case you missed it, catch up on the webinar Safeguarding Your Mission: Nonprofit Compliance, hosted by the Nonprofit Legal Hub, Common Good VT and the Vermont Professionals of Color Network. VAAP ED Jill Martin Diaz presented alongside Anthony Iarrapino, Principal at Wilschek Iarrapino Law Office, PLLC. Moreover, for nonprofits looking to understand how they can prepare and support their workforce, the Vermont Nonprofit HelpDesk offers free guidance and referrals for Vermont nonprofits.  ICE Preparedness Resource Reminder: VAAP and the Vermont Language Justice Project (VLJP) have created multilingual videos on How to Prepare for Possible ICE Detention. These resources are available in English, Spanish, and many additional languages. World Cup Travel Advisory: while bringing joy to communities around the world, including here in Vermont, we encourage those planning World Cup-related travel to review the World Cup travel advisory that VAAP has contributed to alongside partner organisations across New England. See also the American Immigration Council's analysis of immigration-related considerations surrounding the tournament as well as this resource from the National Immigration Project. Mega Master Calendar Hearings Advocates around the country have reported the emergence of "mega" master calendar hearings. Normally, a master calendar hearing (MCH) is a routine, non-evidence hearing where the immigration judge tries to understand what kind of immigration relief someone may or may not be eligible for. Now, at "mega" MCHs, dozens of immigration cases are scheduled at the same time. Usually, these are cases with similar questions, where the judge will make a decision about all of them at once. This does not constitute due process and will likely be challenged. In the meantime, it is critical that individuals attend their hearings as missing a hearing can lead to an immediate removal order, increased risk of ICE detention, significant barriers to future immigration relief, and substantial financial penalties. Currently, we are not seeing courthouse ICE detentions flowing from mega MCHs in Northern New England, so our conclusion is that missing a hearing puts people at higher risk of detention than going. In many instances, hearings have been moved up with little notice. While the courts send notices by mail, these may arrive too late or not at all, especially if individuals have moved and not yet updated their addresses (click here for information on how to do that). We therefore recommend checking the immigration case status regularly through the EOIR Automated Case Information System or hotline (1-800-898-7180).  Moreover, it is increasingly common for courts to request that people appear in person for their hearings. For Vermonters, the closest immigration court is in Chelmsford, MA. If individuals are unable to travel to a hearing, they can submit a motion to appear online or by phone. They will be required to explain why they are unable to appear in person (e.g., due to a lack of access to transportation or for financial reasons). Click here for information about how to submit such a motion. It is important that individuals submit this motion as soon as possible. If the court does not rule on it before someone’s in-person hearing date, they must appear in person (provided the hearing is still happening as scheduled - always re-check the system before travelling).    To learn more about mega master hearings, see this community explainer by the National Immigration Project. Moreover, for individuals facing pressure to submit pleadings or declarations in court, the National Immigrant Justice Center's resource on responding to pleading declarations may also be helpful.   NIPNLG and Acacia are also collecting information about these hearings nationwide. Advocates and court watchers can review and contribute to the tracking spreadsheet to help communities better understand what is happening in different courts. Download a PDF version of this information alongside a checklist of things to do if you have an upcoming MCH in English or Spanish, or share this video on socials with this information, also available in English and Spanish on YouTube and linked below. Concerns about DMV Data Sharing In these times of increased immigration enforcement, people are understandably concerned about whether other government agencies share data with ICE and under what circumstances. VAAP has recently fielded an increase in questions and concerns about the DMV, so we wanted to share the following: Vermont Due to a 2019 state law and litigation in 2020 by Migrant Justice, ACLU-VT, and other partners, Vermont DMV is greatly limited in what information it can collect and store, and any data-sharing with ICE is highly restricted and subject to oversight. See the Vermont DMV webpage that describes some of the policies around its communication with federal immigration authorities. If you have concerns about a Vermont DMV experience, you can contact the DMV Commissioner’s Office here, or if you feel you have experienced discrimination, you can contact the Vermont Human Rights Commission, who is charged with investigating and enforcing claims of unlawful discrimination by state agencies. For further information, see this case between Migrant Justice and the VT DMV as well as this Vermont Public article. New Hampshire New Hampshire DMV is not subject to the same restrictions as Vermont DMV and many jurisdictions in New Hampshire have formal cooperation agreements with ICE. See this release by the NH State Police and this NHPR article.  For more information on NH laws or for legal assistance in NH, contact New Hampshire Legal Assistance See below other resources that might be helpful for communities: ASAP Together: A clear explanation of why and how to pay asylum fees. Note that the instructions for EOIR are below the instructions for USCIS.  Advocating On Behalf of Patients in Immigration Custody: This resource provides guidance for health care professionals on how to advocate and care for their patients with ICE and CBP agents present. What's Going On with Adjustment of Status: A breakdown what adjustment of status is, why it matters, and what the recent USCIS memo encouraging officers to use their discretion means for the process. Protecting Your Online Presence: This explainer offers information for both noncitizens and U.S. citizens about the possible impacts of their social media online presence. Changes to Medicaid: A Spanish language video explaining the new Medicaid regulations starting October 1st 2026. The Invisibilization of Death: A research article discussing the issue of undercounted fatalities of migrants along the US-Canada border. FOR ATTORNEYS Here are the key takeaways from VAAP's Attorney Case Rounds over the last month: TPS and Work Authorization Update: At this week’s attorney roundtable, we discussed the urgent risks facing TPS recipients, including possible TPS loss, work authorization gaps, detention risk, address-update questions, asylum timing, SIJS and other alternative pathways, and the dangers of unsupported pro se filings. USCIS has also narrowed automatic extensions for some TPS-based work permits: certain TPS beneficiaries can no longer rely on the full 540-day automatic EAD extension, even if a receipt notice appears to say otherwise; extensions may instead be limited to one year or the length of the TPS designation period, whichever is shorter. VAAP is monitoring these developments closely with state and national partners and will continue sharing relevant updates as they are confirmed. Mega Master Calendar Hearings Remain a Major Concern: Practitioners continue to report hearings being moved up with little notice and scheduled as large "mega master" dockets. Attorneys are strongly encouraged to check EOIR case information frequently, file E-28s as soon as possible, and ensure clients' addresses remain up to date. Attendance at Hearings Is Critical: Missing a Master Calendar Hearing can result in an in absentia removal order. While continuances may be available in some circumstances, simply not attending is not an option. Virtual Appearance Requests Require Detailed Support: Chelmsford is increasingly scheduling hearings as in-person proceedings. Practitioners reported better success when motions to appear virtually include specific hardship factors such as travel distance, caregiving responsibilities, financial constraints, medical needs, or other individualized circumstances. USCIS Denials Can Lead to Removal Proceedings: Participants discussed recent examples of individuals being placed in immigration court after USCIS denied an immigration benefit. Practitioners should carefully review case status and court records when clients receive unexpected notices. SIJS and Unaccompanied Children Face New Risks: A recent BIA decision may increase detention risks for some SIJS recipients and individuals previously designated as unaccompanied children. Attorneys were encouraged to monitor developments closely and seek immediate legal support if SIJS clients are detained. Challenges to UC Designations Continue: Practitioners are reporting increased scrutiny of unaccompanied child classifications and should be prepared to document and defend those designations when necessary. State Court Access for Survivors: Vermont's courthouse protections and fair and impartial policing policies continue to provide important safeguards for undocumented survivors seeking restraining orders or other protections through state courts. Voluntary Departure and CBP Home Outreach: Participants discussed reports of clients receiving correspondence encouraging self-deportation or voluntary departure. Attorneys were encouraged to carefully review these communications, verify authenticity, and counsel clients about potential consequences before taking action. Tax Compliance Remains Important: For clients working with valid employment authorization, paying taxes and maintaining documentation of tax compliance may be important for future immigration applications and adjustment-of-status processes. Detained Youth and ORR Cases Require Early Advocacy: Attorneys discussed challenges involving youth in ORR custody and emphasized the importance of seeking technical assistance and exploring all available avenues for release and family reunification. Practice Tips: While hearing notices are not always received consistently, practitioners reported that the EOIR Automated Case Information system has generally remained reliable and should be checked regularly for all clients in removal proceedings. Thank you for participating! Click here to register for the next Attorney Case Rounds on July 7th at 9AM. See below other resources that might be helpful for attorneys:  Practice Pointer: New Adjustment of Status Policy: This resource analyzes the content of the memo and its anticipated impact. It also offers considerations for practitioners as they prepare for client conversations and strategies for pending and upcoming I-485 cases. It is updated regularly to reflect new developments, such as recent statements made by DHS on this matter. Template Motion to Reconsider Before the Immigration Court and Motion to Remand Before the BIA: This practice advisory is for practitioners representing noncitizens who previously sought asylum but were granted withholding of removal solely due to application of the "Circumvention of Lawful Pathway" (CLP) rule that was vacated on 6/3. AILA Client Flyers: concise educational resources for advocates to share with their clients or prospective clients to inform them about a wide range of pertinent immigration law issues.  FROM THE STATEHOUSE Recap: Another Successful Legislative Session The Vermont Legislature adjourned in June after a session marked by significant debate over affordability, housing, education, and public safety, yes, but also by incredible unity over protecting immigrants' rights. Excitingly, as our partners at Migrant Justice put it, "From new protections in sensitive locations to new state funds to the ability to sue federal agents in state court, this was a big year in the statehouse for Vermont's immigrant community." VAAP joined Migrant Justice in working in coalition with "powerful organizations all over Vermont to leverage state power to protect immigrant communities against the federal government’s attacks. These new laws are important steps forward towards protecting Vermont’s immigrant community as we continue to organize collectively for human rights." Important measures that advanced this year include, for example, H.849, S.227, and S.209, which strengthen protections and support for immigrant Vermonters and reflect ongoing efforts to ensure that all residents can safely access public services and participate in community life. For a broader overview of the most significant immigration-sensitive legislation passed this session, we encourage readers to review and share Migrant Justice's end-of-session round-up, as well as ACLU of Vermont's 2026 Legislative Wrap-Up, which summarizes key civil rights, democracy, and justice-related bills. We thank our legislators and their constituents for working tirelessly to make these victories possible. Deep Dive: Durable Immigration Legal Infrastructure for VT We are disappointed that H.742, Vermont’s access-to-counsel bill, died on the wall this session. Still, coordinated advocacy helped secure a historic first: $200,000 in state funding to Vermont Legal Aid for 1.0 FTE in immigration legal services next year, building on the early promise of the VAAP/VLA community immigration lawyering pilot in Central and Southern Vermont. Now we are turning that foothold into a foundation. VAAP and coalition partners are seeking trusted partner feedback on a white paper we plan to release by this fall, so Vermont can enter the next biennium ready to invest more seriously in an "Office of New Americans" equivalent and sustained immigration legal services appropriations in the State House. The Work Continues: Vote YES on Prop 4 this November While the 2026 legislative session has come to a close, the work of building a fairer, safer, and more welcoming Vermont continues. One way to stay engaged is by supporting the effort for a constitutional amendment: it would add new language saying that every Vermonter has the right to be treated with dignity and fairness — and that the state cannot discriminate against people based on race, sex, gender identity, national origin, disability, religion, age, or sexual orientation. Learn more and take the pledge at Prop 4 Vermont.  Missed our virtual lunch-and-learn on Vermont legislative updates in May, hosted by the American Immigration Lawyers Association New England Chapter? Click the image above to watch the recording on YouTube! FROM OUR PARTNERS Latine Health Study: Researchers at Dartmouth College are seeking Latin American immigrants to participate in a study about health and well-being. Participation is completely voluntary and confidential, will not affect immigration status, employment, or benefits, and participants will receive a gift card ($20–$35) in appreciation for their time. Find more information here in English and Spanish. Vermont Nonprofit Capacity Survey: Common Good Vermont, Leaves of Change Vermont, and the Leahy Institute for Rural Development are seeking input from nonprofits across the state. The survey takes just 5–10 minutes and will help shape future resources and support for Vermont nonprofits. We also recommend that you check out our partners' newsletters to stay up to date with what they are working on:  Human Rights Commission USCRI Vermont National Council of Nonprofits Common Good Burlington's Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Vermont Language Justice Project CLINIC FROM THE MEDIA Jill Martin Diaz joined partners outside AALV last month to celebrate that the Vermont Immigrant Legal Defense Fund had reached its $1 million goal. Some additional VT-related immigration updates below: VT Immigration Legal Defense Fund reaches $1 million goal: VermontBiz; VT Digger; WCAX; NBC5; Seven Days Mohsen Mahdawi faces new deportation order: VT Digger; WCAX Aftermath of March 11 ICE Raid: VT Digger; Vermont Public; VT Public; VT Digger Steven Tendo walks free from ICE check-in: NBC5 Immigration in Vermont: WCAX; Bennington Banner; Caledonian Record; VT Digger; The Guardian FROM OUR TEAM We are thrilled to welcome two new members to the VAAP board, Carmen Maria Rey Caldas (left) and Jen Duggan (right)! Carmen (she/her) is an immigration attorney with more than two decades of experience in immigrant and refugee law. She currently serves as Senior Counsel at CoCounsel and has previously worked as an Immigration Judge and as U.S. Legal Director at the International Refugee Assistance Project. As an immigrant herself, she is committed to advancing dignity, fairness, and due process for immigrant communities. Jen (she/her) is an environmental attorney and nonprofit leader who currently serves as Executive Director of the Environmental Integrity Project. She has extensive experience in government and nonprofit advocacy, including leadership roles at the Conservation Law Foundation Vermont and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. Throughout her career, she has worked to protect public health and support communities affected by environmental harms. This summer, we are also joined by our paralegal intern Rojo Vivar Blair (he/him) and our legal intern Maya Moussa (she/her)! Rojo is a rising junior studying social work at UVM, and Maya is a rising 2L law student at Vermont Law and Graduate School. Welcome to VAAP, Rojo and Maya!  THANK YOU! VAAP's work is only possible because of the incredible support of our community. This month, we extend special thanks to Dan Russell for his inspiring efforts through Hill Climb for Habeas, and to the Vermont Freedom and Unity Chorus for organizing two benefit concerts in support of VAAP and Migrant Justice. Whether through philanthropy, advocacy, fundraising, music, volunteerism, or partnership, every contribution helps strengthen our collective work and the communities we serve. Donate to VAAP Vermont Asylum Assistance Project  P.O. Box 814, Elmwood Ave, Burlington, VT 05402 802-999-5654 ‖ info@vaapvt.org ‖ www.vaapvt.org Copyright © 2026, Vermont Asylum Assistance Project, All rights reserved. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.