Our Beneficiary

Supporting the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project

NYIFUP is the first public defender program in the country dedicated to providing free, high-quality legal representation to low-income individuals facing immigration detention.

Under current law, low-income people in immigration detention do not have a guaranteed right to counsel. Studies have found that 97% of detained immigrants without legal representation are unsuccessful in challenging their deportation. Access to legal counsel can improve the chance of success by as much as 1000%.

Funded by the New York City Council, NYIFUP ensures that detained New Yorkers are not forced to navigate complex immigration proceedings alone. It is jointly implemented by three public defender organizations: The Bronx Defenders, The Legal Aid Society, and Brooklyn Defender Services

The theme Every Voice Belongs aligns directly with NYIFUP’s mission. As a New York City-based event celebrating community and culture, supporting a program that protects immigrant families strengthens the connection between art, advocacy, and belonging.

Funds raised will directly support legal representation for low-income immigrants in detention. Even modest contributions help sustain this nationally recognized model of public defense, keeping families together and protecting due process rights.