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

We all want safer, thriving communities. Study after study proves that incarceration isn’t how we get there. People who receive programs and services—like behavioral healthcare, housing services, and job training—are 3X less likely to be rearrested. By passing #AB1231 in #California, our leaders will invest in a better future. #JusticeThatWorks

If you or someone you love is arrested, what happens next? Understand your rights before, during, and in the immediate aftermath of an arrest with our Vera-fied guide:

A large portion of traffic stops are for minor infractions and often disproportionately target Black and low-income drivers. The unnecessary deaths of Tyre Nichols, Philando Castile, and many others are a bitter reminder that low-level traffic stops are not just ineffective—they can be deadly. Vera’s new interactive bill tracker, “Mapping the Progress to Limit Non-Safety Related Traffic Stops,” illustrates the growing momentum nationwide to address this injustice, modernize roadway safety, and refocus traffic enforcement on dangerous driving behaviors. To truly build safety, cities and localities must enact policies that limit or eliminate non-safety-related traffic stops. Change is possible: As of today, 29 jurisdictions have already done so. When police make fewer stops for things that do not impact traffic safety, it can lead to safer, fairer traffic enforcement. https://lnkd.in/evV-TtfB

Millions of people return to their communities from jails and prisons every year—and they deserve a real chance to rebuild their lives when they do. April is #SecondChanceMonth, a time to recommit to expanding opportunities for formerly incarcerated people. By reducing barriers to education, employment, and housing, we can give a second chance to the countless people this system denied a fair chance from the start.

From increasing subway safety to closing Rikers Island, New York City's next mayor has the opportunity to transform the city and protect progress on criminal justice reform. Here's how the next administration can deliver safety, accountability, and justice for all New Yorkers: https://lnkd.in/e3kzdhJB

Every person facing detention and deportation deserves due process and high-quality representation—especially in hostile times and amid increased attacks on immigrant communities. Deportation defense programs are critical tools to counter the urgent injustices facing immigrants today. That is why Vera is accepting applications to join our Safety & Fairness to Everyone (SAFE) Network, a collaboration between local and state governments, immigration legal service providers, and advocates working together to build and implement universal representation programs across the U.S.  #ApplyToday or any time before April 14 to be considered for a unique funding opportunity: https://lnkd.in/eDys-a78

Mahmoud Khalil is a soon-to-be father, doctoral student at Columbia University, and lawful permanent resident. Yet weeks after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the lobby of his apartment building, he is still imprisoned in a Louisiana immigration detention facility. The Trump administration’s actions expose an alarming truth: many immigrants are targeted and likely subject to this mass deportation effort, regardless of their legal status. We are witnessing a federal administration that is wielding its power to destabilize our communities. This is something we cannot accept. We must double-down on our values and use all possible resources to fight for due process, protect immigrant communities, and build deportation defense programs. This is how we protect the rights of people like Khalil who are facing detention and family separation. https://lnkd.in/g9SVSWbB

Vera's latest research reveals how the omission of incarcerated people from official employment statistics creates a false impression of economic well-being and racial equity: https://lnkd.in/eqWmyGBK #EconomicJustice #PolicyChange #EconomicInclusion #UnemploymentStats

Research has repeatedly proven that expanding Medicaid, which provides health care to millions, is linked to reduced crime rates. Yet Trump and House Republicans are considering massive cuts to the program—threatening the health and safety of our communities. If they are serious about building safety, our leaders should expand the popular policy, which delivers health care coverage while reducing crime—instead of playing politics with people’s ability to get essential care. https://lnkd.in/e2ZJE-_H