Empower Volunteers: Join VIJI’s Immigration Defense Network!

Across the United States, thousands of immigrants face court hearings, detention, and deportation without legal representation or community support. In response, the Valley Immigration Justice Initiative (VIJI) is building an Immigration Defense Network—one that brings together trained interns, legal professionals, and everyday volunteers to fill critical gaps in the system.

While interns engage in legal work under the supervision of attorneys, volunteers play a different but equally vital role: creating the emotional, logistical, and community infrastructure needed to sustain direct immigration defense.

Why Volunteer Models Matter

According to TRAC data, the majority of people in removal proceedings go to court without legal representation. But access to an attorney isn’t the only barrier—people often face isolation in detention, lack transportation to court, or struggle to share their story under pressure.

Well-structured volunteer programs can step in with low-barrier, high-impact support that doesn’t require legal training.

What Volunteers at VIJI Can Do

The Immigration Defense Network creates opportunities for volunteers to make a meaningful difference in areas like:

🔹 Detention & Bond Support

• Write letters or help families send photos to loved ones in detention

• Guide families on how to send commissary funds

• Assist with basic forms for bond fund applications

• Drop off flyers or follow up with bond fundraising efforts

🔹 Asylum Prep

• Host or support “Storytelling for Asylum” nights to help clients build confidence sharing their experience

• Offer grounding tools and roleplay exercises in a calm, peer-led setting

🔹 Transportation & Court Support

• Coordinate rides using community drivers or rideshare credits

• Provide directions, maps, and reminders for court appearances

• Offer short-term childcare during clinics

• Accompany unrepresented people to court for emotional support and non-legal note-taking

These roles are designed to be sustainable, accessible, and focused on real needs. Volunteers don’t replace attorneys—but they extend what the legal team can do and strengthen the fabric of support around each client.

Whether you're a student, parent, professional, or someone with a few hours to give, VIJI welcomes you into this network of care and defense.

Join us. Help build a stronger, more compassionate system—one court date, one ride, one letter at a time.

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