Who we are
The SAFE Initiative (Safety & Fairness for Everyone) is a unique collaboration among governments, immigration legal service providers, and advocates working together to build a movement for universal representation—a public defender system for all immigrants facing deportation. SAFE has catalyzed momentum for local- and state-funded deportation defense and driven a national movement toward federal systemic change.
We believe that every person facing deportation is entitled to legal representation regardless of income, race, national origin, or history with the criminal legal system. Yet, there is currently no right to appointed counsel in immigration court. Our goal is to lay the foundational blocks that make federally mandated universal representation a reality.
Driving a national movement
Buoyed by our growing coalition of partners, the SAFE Initiative has charted a powerful course toward national systemic change. Prior to SAFE, locally funded deportation defense programs existed in only three jurisdictions. Today, including the 22 SAFE Partner sites, there are more than 50 jurisdictions across 21 states funding such programs. These programs also enjoy widespread public support and are a commonsense solution that will ensure that everyone is treated with basic fairness.
Publicly Funded Deportation Defense Programs
This map depicts the more than 50 publicly funded local and state deportation defense programs nationwide, including the 22 communities within 11 states that are formal partners of the SAFE Initiative. Map updated September 2021.
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Latest News
Vera Institute’s SAFE Initiative Statement on Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget Proposal for New York State
About the Vera Institute of JusticeThe Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and activists working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they’re fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners wi ...
Vera Institute’s SAFE Initiative Statement on NY Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State
About the Vera Institute of Justice The Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and activists working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they’re fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners w ...