The Immigration Project

Legal Defense for Children

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Celebrating 30 Years of Service

The Immigration Project’s 2025 Annual Report

As we celebrate 30 years of service, The Immigration Project’s 2025 Annual Report reflects decades of growth, resilience, and deep community impact. From expanding legal access to strengthening our social services and outreach programs, these three decades have been shaped by meaningful progress powered by the dedication of our staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters. 

This report highlights the stories, numbers, and milestones that have defined the last 30 years—showing not only what we achieved, but how compassion, advocacy, and community continue to guide our work. As we look toward the next chapter, we remain committed to building a more welcoming, safe, and equitable future for immigrant families across Central and Southern Illinois. 

At a Glance

30 Years of Impact

  • 30 years of wins for immigrant families
  • 30 years of legal advocacy, education, and support 
  • A volunteer program that began with 1 volunteer has grown to 130 strong 
  • A team that started with 4 individuals has grown into 61 strong, expanding our capacity and reach
  • A dedicated Board of Directors that has grown into a 14-member leadership body, guiding our mission and long-term vision
  • A caring community of donors and supporters whose generosity has sustained our work for three decades—helping us welcome new families, strengthen services, and build a future rooted in dignity and opportunity for everyone
Two people dressed in winter clothes hold a handwritten sign that says "Migration is beautiful! Solidarity with immigrants! #welcomingcity #blono"
A staff member of The Immigration Project consults paperwork while counseling a family of three in a welcoming office.
Four original staff members pose in front of The Immigration Project's first office; the sign on the glass window behind them says "Immigration."

2025 In Review

  • Mission-driven letters from our Executive Director and Board Chairperson
  • Expanded mental health services, including trauma-informed care, one-on-one support, and group sessions
  • Launched our Rapid Response Program and expanded detention defense efforts
  • 939 Social Services Clients served
  • 1,413 Legal Services Clients served
Two Immigration Project staff members pose in an elementary school classroom with a presentation laptop, whose screen reads "Conoce tus Derechos" or "Know Your Rights" in English.
Five smiling staff members of The Immigration Project pose in front of a large banner that says "The Immigration Project."
Two staff members of The Immigration Project staff a table at a tabling fair; the table presents various piles of paperwork and flyers and the front of the tablecloth says "The Immigration Project" with the organization's logo.

Stories That Matter

  • Client journeys that highlight resilience, stability, and transformation
  • Examples of long-term, trusted relationships with families who return to us year after year 
  • Moments where community, advocacy, and compassion created real, lasting change 
An Immigration Project staff member listens as a client gestures and tells her story.
An Immigration Project staff member kindly engages with two clients over a table with paperwork.