Vera Institute of Justice

Vera has been working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems for more than 60 years—and we won't stop until they’re fair for all. Because mass incarceration is wrong. Because immigration is under attack. Because poverty is not a crime. Because justice is for all. Because dignity is worth fighting for. Because we are Vera. Together, we can end mass incarceration. Join our movement: https://lnkd.in/eMtNC9pe #WeAreVera

30 people have died in Los Angeles County jails this year. This staggering death toll in the nation’s largest jail system is driven by rampant neglect and mistreatment. With 30 lives lost before the year ends, LA leadership has failed the community it serves by not closing the decrepit and dangerous Men’s Central Jail. LA’s communities have suffered for far too long. The time is now for change—the LA Board of Supervisors must honor its commitment to close MCJ, and the county as a whole must invest in community-based alternatives. https://lnkd.in/eX-bupfB

“Black and brown New Yorkers get stopped a lot more than white New Yorkers, and we see a whole lot more ticketing for fare evasion...none of that increases people's feeling of safety on [the] subway." This week #NewYork governor Kathy Hochul announced more than 250 members of the National Guard will be deployed into New York City’s transit system during the holiday season. Insha Rahman, Vera’s VP of Advocacy & Partnerships, spoke to CBS News about why this move is not in the interest of public safety: https://lnkd.in/eVjEuThG

New York State’s Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, & Asian Legislative Caucus has unveiled the 2025 Peoples Budget—a clear plan to address housing, health, justice, and opportunity for ALL New Yorkers. Included in their top priorities is the Access to Representation Act. Now more than ever—as the incoming Trump administration prepares its sweeping deportation agenda—it is essential that the state take bold action and invest in sustainable immigration legal services and infrastructure to help New Yorkers facing deportation who cannot afford an attorney. https://lnkd.in/e9XizzDw

Our climate is changing, and everyone is feeling it—including people who are incarcerated. In the winter, freezing temperatures inside U.S. prisons, jails, and detention facilities make life unbearable for the people living in them. Extreme temperatures can exacerbate existing heath threats and can even create new ones. Forcing people behind bars to endure hellish conditions does not advance justice. It’s time to put an end to this mistreatment and prioritize solutions that create a fairer and more equitable world for everyone. https://lnkd.in/gibvGJkD

Across the country, more than 1,300 counties have expanded existing jails or built new ones over the last 20 years—increasing capacity in U.S. jails by almost 40%. This growth has been partially fueled by jail bed rental arrangements, which allow state and federal agencies, including ICE, to rent county jail space—a move that harms communities. Instead of prioritizing more incarceration, local authorities should be investing in policy changes to reduce jail populations. https://lnkd.in/exjXyJwx

President-elect Trump’s promised deportation agenda is not a matter of if, but when. Immigrants—including many #NewYork communities—will be among the first to feel the devastating impact. To uphold New York’s values, urgent action is needed. The state must invest in immigration legal services and affirm its commitment to dignity and opportunity by passing the #NY4All Act and the #AccessToRepresentation Act. Read on to learn how #Albany can support immigrant communities: https://lnkd.in/gAPC3byB

“As someone currently enrolled in this program, I’d tell other incarcerated individuals that education is one of the most powerful tools for personal growth and change. It’s not just about earning a degree—it’s about discovering yourself and pushing past your doubts to become a better you.” Access to education changes lives. College-in-prison programs improve the quality of life behind bars, increase employment opportunities, and reduce recidivism. https://lnkd.in/eeKS_7EZ

Looking for a holiday gift for a loved one who’s dedicated to advancing justice reform? From an examination of the prison boom to dramatizations of true stories about the criminal legal system, Vera’s Read, Watch, and Listen list offers a great starting point for you and your loved ones to join the fight to end mass incarceration. https://lnkd.in/gWATJxWK

Immigrant communities—including millions of New York families—will be among the first to feel the effects of President-elect Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies. The moment could not be more critical: New York must act now to ensure that no one faces deportation without a fair day in court. No one should be forced to navigate the outdated and highly complex immigration legal system alone, representing themselves against trained government attorneys in a language they may not know. Click the link ⬇️ to learn more about the risk of deportation. https://lnkd.in/euEPnR9j