Annie Comes Home: Take action today

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Take action today

Dear Pamela,

Real challenges lie ahead this year with the impending inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump; however, there are still actions you can take at the local and state levels to advance justice in 2025 and beyond.

Five ways to fight for justice in your community:

1. Resist Mass Deportations at the State and Local Levels.

Unlike in criminal proceedings, people in immigration court are not entitled to an attorney. Many people are deported simply because they cannot afford a lawyer to help them secure a legal path to residency. Urge your representatives to guarantee legal representation for those facing deportation and to fund legal services for immigrant defense. TAKE ACTION:

Send Congress a message of support for the Fairness to Freedom Act →

Send Congress a message of support for the SHIELD Act →

2. Support Campaigns to End Slavery.

A loophole in the 13th Amendment allows slavery as punishment for a crime, enabling the exploitation of incarcerated people who perform difficult and dangerous jobs for little or no pay.

TAKE ACTION: Sign this petition to end forced prison labor →

3. Fight to Close Deadly Jails. Jails like Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles and Rikers Island in New York City continue to violate the human rights and dignity of people held there. Every year, people die because of poor conditions, horrendous health care, and persistent violence. These jails need to be shuttered, now. TAKE ACTION:

Sign this petition to close LA County's Men's Central Jail →

Sign this petition to close New York City's Rikers Island →

4. Learn and Stay Informed. Increasing awareness and understanding of the injustices that infect our criminal legal and civil immigration systems is the first step toward meaningful reform. Listen to The 30 Year Project podcast which looks at the impact of the notorious 1994 Crime Bill and examines mass incarceration in the United States today.

TAKE ACTION: Listen to The 30 Year Project podcast →

5. Donate. Your tax-deductible donation supports efforts to end systemic racism and injustice in our criminal legal and civil immigration systems.

TAKE ACTION: Donate Now →

The road ahead may be difficult, but progress begins with action. Whether through advocating, learning, or donating, every effort helps push back against injustice and moves us toward lasting change. Thank you for being with us in this fight.

Onward,
Vera Institute of Justice

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Vera Institute of Justice

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