In July, we launched a mini-pilot to support asylum seekers as part of our response to the current administration. The mini-pilot is a strategic effort to form scalable partnerships with on the ground legal services providers to place asylum seekers with limited scope pro bono representation – focusing on supporting asylum applications, declarations, and country conditions. The narrow focus of this pilot effectively balances three critical factors: (1) the needs of impacted immigrants within the community, (2) the stated capacity constraints of on-the-ground referring partners, and (3) a realistic assessment of the capacity, competency, and timeline limitations of pro bono volunteers. This pilot lays a foundation for a nationwide platform for removal defense training, mentorship, and technical assistance.

Since its launch in 2021, VECINA’s ReUnite Project has filled a critical gap in the immigration system by being the only organization in the nation dedicated to supporting Sponsors. In just a few years, we have stood beside more than 1,600 Sponsors as they welcomed 1,495 unaccompanied minors into their care—children ranging from newborns to those on the cusp of adulthood. With the support of 393 volunteers, we have worked with families from 29 countries speaking 31 languages, ensuring that children are not left alone to navigate a complex and often hostile system. Building on this foundation, we are now expanding the project to protect mixed-status families who face new threats of separation due to targeted internal enforcement.

We are reflecting on the impact of our Afghan Representation work as we close that chapter at VECINA. To date, we engaged approximately 500 volunteers to provide legal assistance to more than 500 Afghan newcomers. This included full representation on asylum applications, as well as more limited help, preparing Afghans for their asylum interviews. VECINA pro bono volunteers are now working with Afghan newcomers on their applications for lawful permanent residence (the next step on the path to U.S. citizenship), and with their applications to reunite with family members left overseas.

Our innovative online courses now have more than 7,500 users signed up for one or more of our free educational opportunities. We are building out new thematic trainings responsive to practitioners’ needs in real time.

VECINA has also deepened its partnership with Switchboard, which provides training and technical assistance to lawyers and accredited representatives who serve immigrants eligible for refugee resettlement benefits. Since 2023, VECINA’s Switchboard services have helped over three hundred individual service providers from at least 224 organizations and law firms. We have responded to over 750 technical assistance requests, provided 134 office hours to participants, and put on 21 roundtables, webinars, or specialized trainings for nearly 1000 attendees. These services have, in turn, supported thousands of immigrants in the United States.

In February 2025, VECINA partnered once again with Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers to co-host our Immigration Trial Skills Workshop in Austin. This unique collaboration brought together experienced trial attorneys and immigration practitioners to strengthen courtroom advocacy for pro bono and nonprofit lawyers. Participants left with practical tools, mentorship connections, and renewed confidence to take on high-stakes removal defense cases—demonstrating how cross-sector partnerships can transform access to justice.

In 2025, VECINA welcomed Maria Laura Arabbo as our new Executive Director. An immigrant from Argentina with more than a decade of experience leading nonprofit organizations and advancing immigrant and refugee justice, Maria Laura has built coalitions across sectors, launched innovative programs, and guided organizations through critical transitions. She now leads VECINA into its next chapter by ensuring greater access to justice for immigrant communities nationwide.