![]() Executive Director4 WHO WE ARE STAFF Jennifer Bailey, Esq. Executive Director Leslie Silverstein, Esq. Thank you for your partnership and support! Warm regards, MESSAGE FROM ILAP’S LEADERS Sue Roche, Esq. ![]() In December, ILAP staff and board approved a bold new strategic plan with goals that align with our vision of a world where systems are rooted in justice and equity and where everyone reaches their full potential without barriers created by racism and injustice. With a new administration in the White House and national momentum towards racial justice, we are optimistic for real change. At the end of 2020, we launched an Immigrant Children’s Project to help eligible young people apply for legal status, and a Mendez Rojas Project to help qualifying class members apply for asylum so they might avoid deportation after missing their one-year filing deadline. We provided translated information packets to migrant farmworkers and other immigrants in rural Maine and connected with clients and community partners by video and phone. We used technology to increase access to information and services with a new online intake system, multilingual self-help materials and videos, and a weekly Facebook Live asylum workshop. Pro bono attorneys donated 3,917 hours of their time, representing over 200 people in asylum and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) cases. While working remotely since March, ILAP provided direct legal serves and outreach to over 3,000 people in 2020. At the same time, harsh immigration policies were enforced, immigration backlogs grew, and more people needed legal assistance. Many did not qualify for the safety net of the federal stimulus programs. Our clients were impacted disproportionately by the pandemic, with higher rates of infection and greater job loss. Working together, we continue to respond to many challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, while we strive for a just and equitable immigration system. We are grateful for the hard work of staff, the dedicated commitment of our board, volunteers and supporters, and most of all, for our clients’ resilience and the strong leadership of our community partners, especially immigrant-led organizations. Cover (L to R): Yassin with his family Fowsia and Fawa Leandre Jocelyne and her children : Kifah Photography by Molly Hale圓 Dear Friends, This past year was like no other and we hope that you and your families are healthy and safe. ANNUAL REPORT 20202 MISSION The Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) helps low-income immigrants improve their legal status and works for more just and humane laws and policies affecting immigrants.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |