By Donald Gilpin
With its headquarters in Trenton and its Princeton satellite office at Nassau Presbyterian Church, the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund (LALDEF) has been on the front lines in responding to recent anti-immigrant poicies and actions by the federal government. Over the past several months there has been a steady increase in clients seeking assistance of all kinds from LALDEF.
“Our nation finds itself at another crossroads, with immigrants once again bearing the brunt of damaging policy decisions,” LALDEF Executive Director Cecy Jimenez-Weeast wrote in a June letter to LALDEF supporters. “From sweeping immigration reforms to increasingly hostile enforcement, the current administration remains steadfast in their push to punish those pursuing a better life for themselves and their families.”
She continued, “In the chaos of the current moment, the greatest tools we have at our disposal are communication and community. By building bridges rather than burning them, we can meaningfully forge a more equitable, welcoming future for all. In the spirit of collaboration, LALDEF is proud to work alongside local law enforcement to advocate for immigrant rights, enhance protections, and leverage resources to best serve all those who call our communities home.”
Jimenez-Weeast noted that LALDEF’s deep ties to Mercer County and “the history of trust we’ve built among our clients” have been key factors in its continuing success in serving the immigrant community. She cited a significant increase in the numbers of green card holders approaching LALDEF for help in pursuing pathways to citizenship, with many clients feeling that citizenship is the best option to assure their continued safety in the country.
She also reported a steady increase in the number of clients seeking a Power of Attorney to give families the chance to identify a guardian to oversee the care and safety of their children amidst the difficult realities of deportation and family separation.
“These types of devastating decisions are the real-world consequences of policies and procedures which place politics over our shared humanity,” said Jimenez-Weeast. “As uncertainty and tension continue to grow, LALDEF works tirelessly to connect our clients with services and resources which eliminate barriers to access and make our clients’ assimilation to life in the United States a more positive, purposeful experience.”
Jimenez-Weeast cited “rampant misinformation, increasingly punitive immigration enforcement, and rapidly-changing policies” as having created an environment of “chaos and unease” for many immigrant families. She affirmed LALDEF’s goal of equipping the immigrant community “with the tools necessary for safety, prosperity, and self-reliance.”
She went on to state that education is LALDEF’s most powerful tool for fighting against injustices and supporting the needs of their clients. “From offering ‘Know Your Rights’ presentations throughout the community to our robust catalogue of Immigration Legal Services, LALDEF is committed to providing clarity, compassion, and support when our clients need it most,” she wrote in an email. “While rapidly-shifting immigration policies have added further complications to pathways to citizenship, our legal team works tirelessly to stay up to date on current rules and regulations to help make the process easier for the clients we serve.”
She continued, “Regardless of immigration status, we encourage all members of our community to research their rights, be prepared, and help educate their neighbors along the way.”
LALDEF, now serving more than 3,000 low income immigrant residents each year, started in 2004 in Princeton as a community-based, non-funded organization, and although most of its work now takes place at its Casa de Benvenida headquarters in Trenton, Jimenez-Weeast stated that LALDEF’s commitment to Princeton has never been stronger. “We recognize the fear that many immigrants are currently facing, both in Princeton and all over our region,” she wrote.
In this era of funding cuts and elimination of resources from the U.S. government, Jimenez-Weeast emphasized the importance of partnerships with local and state governments, as well as the contributions and volunteering efforts of individuals.
“Now is the time to show up for your immigrant neighbors,” she wrote. “No matter who you are or what you do, each and every one of us has the ability to make a difference. From teaching an ESL class to donating to local immigration organizations in your communities, every effort makes a major difference for neighbors in need. Our work relies on the generous support of our donors and supporters.”
She mentioned in particular the need for volunteers in the Adult Education program, the FUTURO youth mentoring program, and the legal services department. Those looking to get involved but not sure where to start, should contact the LALDEF office at (609) 688-0881 or visit laldef.org for more information.
Jimenez-Weeast noted that the past few months had provided LALDEF with lessons in flexibility, resilience, and adaptability. “As executive director of LALDEF,” she wrote, “I have been a firsthand witness to the impact the last several months have had on the immigrant community. Every day I hear stories from clients from all walks of life, who are united by the pursuit of a better life. While this work has always held great meaning for me, the magnitude of these circumstances has only affirmed our organization’s resolve to carry out this important work.”