Fundraising Efforts Advance Vermont Immigration Legal Defense Fund Goals
BRATTLEBORO — A series of upcoming events are set to enhance awareness and bolster the efforts of the Vermont Immigration Legal Defense Fund, which aims to raise $1 million within its inaugural year.
State Treasurer Mike Pieciak established the fund in May 2025, alongside Senator Kesha Lamb Hinsdale (D-Chittenden Southeast). To date, the fund has awarded multiple grants, enabling the hiring of additional attorneys and support staff to manage approximately 150 cases.
The inception of the fund coincided with the commencement of the second Trump administration. Pieciak, part of a Vermont task force analyzing economic challenges, highlighted the urgent need for legal representation for immigrants, noting that at that time, around 30,000 foreign-born residents in Vermont were supported by only three attorneys specializing in deportation cases.
Pieciak emphasized the critical role of legal representation in immigration proceedings. “If someone is detained, their chances of release significantly increase with legal support, and it can double their odds of winning their case,” he explained. He underscored the vital contributions of new Americans to the local economy, stating they are “growing our food” and “sustaining our economy.”
He described the initiative as both a moral obligation and an economic necessity, ensuring that individuals in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody have suitable access to legal resources. Pieciak noted that ICE often presents deportation as the primary option, even when other avenues may be available.
Overall, Pieciak estimates that the fund has financed ten positions and facilitated training for approximately 100 pro bono attorneys. “This is exactly the type of legal infrastructure we envisioned,” he added.
An upcoming fundraiser is scheduled for April 2 at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center, commencing at 7 p.m. Tickets are limited, starting at a suggested donation of $25, available for purchase online. Featured at the event alongside Pieciak will be notable speakers such as Kerry Kennedy, director of the Robert and Ethel Kennedy Center for Human Rights; Jill Martin Diaz, Executive Director of the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP); and Joe Wire, director of the Ethiopian Regional Development Council in Brattleboro.
In just nine months since its launch, the fund has raised more than $850,000 from thousands of donors throughout Vermont, a testament to its grassroots support. “Vermonters are dedicated to upholding everyone’s right to due process, a cornerstone of the Bill of Rights,” the announcement stated.
Pieciak regarded the event as an excellent opportunity for attendees to learn about the current immigration challenges from attorneys actively engaged in ongoing cases. He expressed the desire for a justice system that is fair and transparent, adhering to democratic principles established over the last 250 years. Highlighting the lack of a requirement for legal representation in immigration courts, Pieciak stated that supporting this initiative directly impacts the fairness of hearings for affected individuals.
Kerry Kennedy, who will be the event’s featured speaker, has long been an advocate for immigrant rights. Pieciak remarked on her commitment to social justice, emphasizing her understanding of the complexities surrounding issues affecting immigrants and new Americans. He also expressed excitement about her return to Vermont, given her fond memories of attending Putney School in southern Vermont.
Recent grant awards include $188,700 to the Association of African Residents of Vermont (AALV), $67,500 to the Vermont Law School (VLGS) Immigration Clinic, and $60,000 to VAAP. The AALV grant aims to support new attorney positions and associated costs, focusing on direct legal assistance for refugees and asylum seekers. Meanwhile, the VLGS grant will enhance administrative support and allow attorneys to devote more time to active casework.
The fund’s fiscal sponsor, United Way of Northwest Vermont, is responsible for administering the awards. For additional details, visit vermontlegaldefensefund.com.
