Dear LALDEF Friends and Supporters,

In 2004, the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund opened its doors in response to the injustices the immigrant community faced following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Now, over two decades later, our nation finds itself at another crossroads, with immigrants once again bearing the brunt of damaging policy decisions.  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. With outcries for justice pouring out from every corner of this country,  LALDEF is proud to stand with all those making a peaceful and purposeful change in our communities. 

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. From our Mercer County Community ID program to our robust body of immigration legal services, we are committed to guaranteeing our clients know their rights and respond accordingly. 

As this uncertain climate continues to unfold, LALDEF will continue to fight on behalf of all which brings us together. From finding shared language in our ESL classrooms to achieving citizenship with the help of our Legal Services department, we center our values of immigrant integration and intercultural connection at the core of all we do. In response to recent events, LALDEF will be expanding its Legal Services team to provide our community with additional avenues of representation and support. 

America is a nation of immigrants, and our greatest strengths are found not in our divisions, but within our diversity. The American Dream belongs to everyone, and LALDEF is dedicated to the realization of liberty and justice for ALL. Will you please consider joining us in this fight? Every donation makes a meaningful difference in the lives of local immigrants in your community. You can make your gift by donating here: Donate – LALDEF. Together, we can pave the way for a freer, fairer future for all, and we thank you for standing with us during this critical time. 

Wishing you and your family safety and peace, 

Cecy Jimenez-Weeast
Executive Director