Ulster Immigrant Defense Network (UIDN) is a predominantly-volunteer nonprofit formed in 2017 to provide a network of safety and support to immigrants in Ulster County regardless of their immigration status. UIDN provides underserved and disadvantaged immigrants with direct food, rent, and utilities assistance; a bilingual helpline; transportation and accompaniment to court hearings and check-ins with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE); legal assistance; medical and legal resources and referrals; a read together program; and assistance with obtaining drivers licenses and sanctuary if needed.
As a primary goal, UIDN strives towards ensuring food and housing security for those they serve. UIDN works with immigrants who are low-income, many of whom are living at or below the poverty level. Most are from Guatemala and some are from other countries in Central and South America, Mexico, and Afghanistan. These women, men, and children of all ages left their countries of origin for a variety of reasons – gang violence, domestic violence, drought, and poverty – to create safe, viable lives for themselves and their families in Ulster County.
In addition to its primary goal, UIDN is focused on pathways to economic mobility, empowerment, and self-sufficiency. To that end, UIDN assists those with reasonable claims to an asylum or Special Immigrant Juvenile Status case to obtain legal immigration status. Where a strong case exists, UIDN will set up an initial consultation and help with financial assistance with one of several lawyers UIDN works with, while its transportation and accompaniment volunteers arrange for all needed rides to consults and subsequent meetings. In 2023, UIDN provided a variety of legal assistance to 52 individuals, including Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) cases for abandoned youth, asylum cases, work permits, and more.
In 2023, UIDN created a new initiative – a pilot program in workforce development to create a self-owned and self-governed worker cooperative as a viable work option for those who do not have legal immigration status. Participating women receive training and consulting on all matters related to forming and operating a viable business, including banking, financial management, legal, leadership, ethics, human resources, marketing, technology, and sustainability.
In 2023, the Dyson Foundation provided a designated support grant toward these two pathways to self-sufficiency and economic mobility.