Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project

Programs: Direct legal services: ilap provides a continuum of legal services based on client needs and priorities. Full representation is the most intensive level available, reserved for complex and vulnerable cases that are unlikely to be successful without an attorney. The immigration clinic offers consultations and application assistance to individuals navigating complex immigration processes. In 2017, ilap represented 340 full representation clients, served 1,638 individuals in the immigration clinic and positively impacted 1,473 family members. In 2016 and 2017, 100% of full representation cases were successful. Additionally, 160 pro bono attorneys donated 4,275 hours of their time valued at 881,903.

education & outreach: to maximize our reach and support individuals that we do not have the capacity to represent, ilap provides accurate, accessible and timely information on complex legal issues to immigrant communities and service providers across the state. Available in several languages, materials and presentations aim to counteract incomplete or inaccurate information and prevent future complications that may negatively affect legal status or lead to deportation. These activities became particularly important over the last year, as many policies changed swiftly and significantly. In 2017, 1,791 individuals attended 42 education and outreach events from york to washington counties.

systemic advocacy: ilap leads important systemic advocacy work to improve laws and policies that affect all low-income immigrants in maine and value their contributions and capabilities. We also serve as a source of accurate information for the media and work with government officials and other leaders to understand the impacts of local, state and federal laws and policies. In 2017, ilap was featured in the media on 27 occasions and provided briefings to maine's congressional delegation. At the state level, staff advocated against an anti-sanctuary city bill (which ultimately failed) and for a labor trafficking bill (which ultimately passed).