VAAP and CASP present to 150+ in brattleboro

Brattleboro Reformer features VAAP in Locals concerned for immigrants prepare for incoming administration

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(Bob Audette, Brattleboro Reformer on January 15, 2025)

On January 11 in Brattleboro, VAAP Immigrant Justice Corps Fellow Emma Matters-Wood joined CASP director Liv Berelson in addressing approximately 150 attendees about potential immigration policy changes ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration. She highlighted the following:

1. Anticipated Federal Actions:

   • High-profile immigration enforcement and expanded detention.

   • Halting refugee admissions and banning immigrants from specific countries (e.g., Muslim-majority nations, Afghan refugees).

   • Expanding expedited removal and limiting asylum eligibility, especially for victims of domestic or gang violence.

   • Potential federal pressure on sanctuary states and cities, threatening funding for infrastructure projects.

2. Impact of Policy Shifts:

   • Uncertainty caused by fluctuating federal policies with changing administrations.

   • Concerns about family separations, with reports of thousands of children lost during the previous administration.

3. Sanctuary Cities and Constitutional Rights:

   • Sanctuary policies commit to protecting immigrants but have limited legal significance.

   • Fourth Amendment rights protect individuals and states against unreasonable searches and seizures, including:

     • Judicial warrants required for immigration enforcement to access files, schools, or homes.

     • Scope of warrants must be respected.

4. Practical Advice for Immigrants:

   • Carry a copy of immigration papers (not originals).

   • Avoid showing unlocked phones to law enforcement.

   • Exercise the right to remain silent or request an attorney when questioned.

   • Employers can deny immigration officials access to private areas without a judicial warrant.

5. Border Zone Specifics:

   • Within the 100-mile border zone, warrantless searches by customs and immigration are allowed, but individuals retain the right to remain silent.

6. Community Support:

   • Vermonters can help by volunteering with organizations like CASP to support asylum seekers with rights education and contingency planning for children, pets, and schools.

   • For more information about CASP, visit caspvt.org.