(VERMONT) Vermont is facing a sharp rise in immigration cases as of August 2025, but the state’s limited number of immigration attorneys cannot keep up with the growing demand. With federal funding cuts and stricter immigration enforcement, immigrants in Vermont now face longer waits, more complex legal hurdles, and greater risks of detention or deportation.
The Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP), the main group helping immigrants with legal matters in Vermont, has been hit hard by these changes. VAAP’s ability to take on new clients has dropped sharply, leaving many immigrants without the legal help they need. “The capacity to provide immigration legal services in Vermont is smaller than in many other states,” said Brett Stokes, director of the Vermont Law & Graduate School’s Center for Justice Reform.
Attorney Shortage and Rising Demand
Vermont has very few immigration attorneys, and those who remain are stretched thin. The shortage means many immigrants cannot find a lawyer to help them with their cases. This is especially troubling because immigration law is complicated, and people often need expert help to understand their rights and options.
Brett Stokes explained, “We simply don’t have enough immigration attorneys in Vermont to meet the need. Many people with strong cases for legal status are left without representation.” As a result, some immigrants must face court alone, which greatly lowers their chances of success.
Federal Funding Cuts and Policy Changes
Since early 2025, VAAP has lost much of its federal funding, especially for programs that help unaccompanied minors and Afghan refugees. This forced VAAP to stop taking new clients and cut back on helping other organizations. The group now manages about 40 active cases but cannot accept more due to lack of resources.
Jill Martin Diaz, VAAP’s Executive Director, said, “We’re seeing more people who need help, but we have fewer resources to serve them. The funding cuts have had a real impact on our ability to protect immigrant rights in Vermont.”
At the same time, new federal rules have made immigration cases even harder. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now requires all applicants to register under a new system, starting April 11, 2025. Not following these rules or giving wrong information can lead to serious civil and criminal penalties. This adds more pressure on both immigrants and their attorneys.
Increased Case Complexity and Delays
Federal policies have also brought tougher security checks, longer waits for family reunification and green card applications, and more power for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain people. These changes mean that immigration attorneys must spend more time and effort on each case, often focusing on appeals and lawsuits instead of direct help.
Many immigrants in Vermont now wait months or even years for their cases to move forward. Nationally, asylum backlogs rose by 8% in early 2025, and the number of detained immigrants jumped by nearly 40% since late 2024. Vermont’s backlog follows these national trends, making it harder for people to get timely decisions.
Legal and Policy Environment
The legal environment for immigration cases in Vermont has become much tougher. The new USCIS registration rule, with its strict penalties, makes it risky for immigrants and their lawyers. Attorneys must be extra careful to avoid mistakes that could harm their clients or themselves.
The threat of federal prosecution for legal workers who provide orientation and representation is also growing. This makes it even harder for immigration attorneys to do their jobs and for immigrants to get the help they need.
State Legislative Efforts and Community Response
In response to these challenges, Vermont lawmakers are trying to find solutions. In mid-2025, the state formed a study committee to explore creating an “Office of New Americans” (ONA). This group includes state officials and community leaders from organizations like the Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV), USCRI VT, and Migrant Justice.
The committee will meet through September 2026 and is seeking public input on how best to support immigrants and refugees. The goal is to recommend ways to improve services and protections for these communities across Vermont.
Another important step is the passage of S.148, a state law that limits how much personal information Vermont agencies can share with federal immigration authorities. Jill Martin Diaz strongly supports this law, calling it “a critical defense for immigrant rights in Vermont.” By protecting privacy, the law aims to reduce fear and encourage immigrants to seek help when needed.
Ongoing Legal Education and Support
To address the shortage of immigration attorneys, the Vermont Bar Association’s Immigration Section is offering continuing legal education (CLE) courses. These classes help more Vermont lawyers learn about immigration law, so they can assist with immigration cases even if it’s not their main area of practice.
The Vermont Law & Graduate School’s Center for Justice Reform also provides free legal services and technical help to attorneys and community groups. These efforts aim to build a larger pool of lawyers who can take on immigration cases and support immigrants in Vermont.
Practical Implications for Immigrants
For immigrants in Vermont, these changes mean:
- ⏳ Longer waits for case decisions, sometimes lasting years
- ⚠️ Higher risk of detention by ICE, especially for those without legal representation
- 🔍 Greater difficulty finding an immigration attorney to help with their case
- 📋 More complex legal requirements that are hard to understand without expert help
Legal representation is especially important because many immigrants have strong claims to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 but cannot pursue them without a lawyer. The legal process often involves appeals and lawsuits, as initial denials are common and policies can change during the long wait.
Key Stakeholders and Resources
Several groups and individuals are working to support immigrants in Vermont:
- 🤝 Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP): Main provider of legal help for immigrants. Contact: 802-999-5654, [email protected]
- 🌍 Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV): Community support and advocacy. Contact: 802-985-3106, [email protected]
- ⚖️ Vermont Law & Graduate School Center for Justice Reform: Free legal services and technical help.
- 📚 Vermont Bar Association Immigration Section: Legal education and networking for attorneys. Website: www.vtbar.org
Future Outlook and Possible Solutions
The creation of the Office of New Americans study committee shows Vermont’s commitment to improving support for immigrants. However, real changes will take time, as the committee’s report is not expected until late 2026. In the meantime, immigrants and their advocates must deal with ongoing federal enforcement and limited resources.
Legal service providers may focus more on appeals and larger lawsuits to fight back against federal policies. Expanding legal education and encouraging more lawyers to take on immigration cases could help, but this will require ongoing support and funding.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation in Vermont reflects a national trend: as immigration cases rise and federal support drops, states must find new ways to help immigrants access justice and protection.
Actionable Steps for Immigrants and Advocates
- ✅ Seek legal help early: Contact VAAP, AALV, or the Vermont Bar Association for referrals to immigration attorneys.
- 📋 Stay informed: Follow updates from the Office of New Americans study committee and attend public meetings to share your experiences.
- 🔒 Protect your privacy: Know your rights under S.148 and be careful about sharing personal information with state agencies.
- 🎓 Consider legal education: If you are a lawyer or law student, consider taking CLE courses in immigration law to help fill the gap in Vermont.
- 🌐 Monitor federal policy changes: Stay updated on new USCIS rules and deadlines by visiting the USCIS official website.
Conclusion
Vermont’s immigration legal system is under strain, with too few immigration attorneys to handle the rising number of immigration cases. Federal funding cuts and tougher policies have made it even harder for immigrants to get the help they need. State efforts like the Office of New Americans study committee and privacy laws offer hope, but real change will take time. For now, immigrants, attorneys, and advocates must work together to find solutions, protect rights, and push for better support in Vermont.
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