International Legal Defense Fund (ILDF)
Who is Eligible?
Any dues-paying, bargaining unit member of UA-UNM who DOES NOT hold United States citizenship.
What is the purpose of the fund?
To cover expenses for members who are facing an emergency immigration proceeding to protect their right to due process under the law.​
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How does UA-UNM define an “emergency immigration proceeding”?
An emergency immigration proceeding is an immigration proceeding initiated by the government arising from recent changes in federal immigration policy which threatens your ability to live and work in the United States. Examples of emergency immigration proceedings include but are not limited to proceedings to contest the revocation of a visa, green card or temporary legal status, or expedited removal or deportation.
What are examples of expenses which are eligible for funding?
Examples of eligible out of pocket expenses related to managing an emergency immigration proceeding include but are not limited to:
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Legal fees, including filing fees and expenses (for members and/or their dependents).
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Ancillary expenses associated with the proceeding such as childcare or transportation.
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Repatriation expenses, including moving fees, travel costs, etc.
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Costs associated with applying for permanent residency or citizenship, applying for or renewing a visa, general immigration advice, or routine legal costs related to immigration are not expenses eligible for funding.
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How much money will I get?
The ILDF is meant to defray the costs incurred in an emergency immigration proceeding listed above. The fund has been allocated $25,000 for 2025. Each applicant has a yearly cap of $5,000 and a lifetime cap of $15,000. Monies awarded do not have to be repaid.
The fund year is the calendar year, January 1 - December 31.
Each calendar year, the International Committee (IC) will seek to raise at least $25,000. The IC may, at its discretion, receive funds from members, the public or other organizations. Any funds raised will be considered gifts and will not be considered tax deductible.
When will I get my money?
Applications will be reviewed, and eligibility decisions made on a case-by-case basis by the International Committee who will assess applications as they are received. Best of efforts will be made by the IC to hold a meeting within seventy-two hours of receiving an application.
The International Committee will consist of five members - three members of the Executive Council and two dues-paying members. The Executive Council shall approve the chairperson and membership of the IC.
Requests for disbursements of funds must be supported by evidence of out of pocket expenses, generally receipts for expenses paid, or evidence of a legal obligation to pay expenses, such as a bill for attorneys’ fees or moving expenses that the individual is obligated to pay. The IC prefers to pay significant attorney fee bills directly to the attorney or firm providing the representation.
The IC will aim to disburse funds within two weeks of approval and receipt of supporting documentation.
How do I apply?
Submit application for funds to info@uaunm.org with the Subject heading “ILDF Application.”
Your application should provide the full name of the dues-paying member, contact information, including phone number, brief description of immigration difficulties requiring emergency funding, and any supporting documentation (receipts, letters of support, legal documentation, etc.)
Upon receiving the application, the Chairperson of the International Committee will make the preliminary assessment of whether the applicant is eligible (see eligibility requirements above) for the funds and forward the application of eligible applicants to the IC for consideration. The IC will keep the identity of the applicant confidential.
Once a decision has been made, the chairperson of the IC will notify the applicant regarding the decision.
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Can an International Committee decision to deny emergency funds be appealed?
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Yes. An applicant for emergency funds from the IC may appeal a denial of funds to UA-UNM’s Executive Council by emailing info@uaunm.org with the subject heading “ILDF Appeal.” The Executive Council will review appeals of the denial of funds at its first scheduled meeting following receipt of the appeal.