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Latino migrants across the U.S. are facing escalating hardships under increasingly draconian immigration policies, fueling widespread fear and uncertainty. These individuals—farmworkers, restaurant staff, construction workers, and housekeepers—are the backbone of our society, yet they are being stripped of access to fundamental necessities like legal aid, healthcare, and the ability to drive legally, which is crucial for work and survival.
Nonprofits are doing their best to support these families, but they are overwhelmed and underfunded. They don’t have the resources to hire me right now, and the urgency in the community is growing—especially when it comes to securing driver’s licenses. More documentation means more security, and I have the time, skills, and commitment to help make that happen, faster.
I’m raising $50,000 to sustain this work for the next six months. With your support, I can assist 15 - 20 individuals per week, provide transportation, cover eye exams, and establish a safe meeting space for families in need.
Donate today to be part of something life-changing. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this or connecting me with resources to keep this work going.
Help Latinx Migrants Build a Safer, More Secure Future in VT
The Political Climate & Urgency of This Work
Latino migrants across the U.S. are facing escalating hardships under increasingly draconian and xenophobic immigration policies, fueling widespread uncertainty and fear of deportation. The situation is worsening at an alarming rate, destabilizing families and entire communities. Many of these individuals are the backbone of our society—dairy farmers, construction workers, housekeepers, restaurant workers, and neighbors—yet they are being stripped of access to fundamental necessities like driver’s licenses, legal aid, and healthcare, leaving them more vulnerable than ever..
Without proper documentation, a simple traffic stop can turn into a life-altering crisis. A missing driver's license can mean losing a job. And something as small as an eye exam can be the difference between having the freedom to drive or being stuck, unable to work or provide for their family.
These are solvable problems, but they need someone who understands their situation, is a native Spanish speaker and cares, to step in and help.
A Family on the Brink and a Life-Changing Decision
A few months ago, a father from Guatemala reached out to me, desperate for help. The fear and uncertainty of our current climate were too overwhelming. He felt his family would be safer in Guatemala while he remained in the U.S. to support them financially.
In an effort to ensure their safety, he bought plane tickets for every family member, including one for me, so I could escort them through customs and back home.
A few days before their flight, something changed. They decided to stay. They decided to fight for a better life here.
This is the reality for so many families, torn between fear and hope, between survival and possibility. What made the difference for them? Having someone to guide them, support them, and help them navigate the overwhelming system.
This is the work I am dedicating my time and energy to.
Who Am I and Why Am I Doing This?
I came to this country from Colombia at the age of 11. My mother was a single parent, struggling to find the resources, support, and opportunities to give us a better life. She did her best, and so did I. But I know firsthand how hard it is to navigate this country without guidance.
For the last decade, I’ve worked in operations, logistics, and product management in the food and tech industry. But over the last two years, I started asking myself what my role is in my community and what I want to devote my time to. I realized that I wanted to live a life of service, helping those who are now facing some of the similar challenges I once did.
Now, I spend my time assisting Latino migrants with:
- Driver’s License Applications and DMV Test Prep so they can legally drive
- Asylum Cases serving as an interpreter, and providing emotional support
- Transportation and Accompaniment helping people get to court and government check-ins
- Access to Eye Exams and Glasses many fail their driving test because they can’t see clearly but can’t afford an exam
- Any other needs supporting folks navigating life in a new country
I do this because I know what it’s like to navigate a complex system without support, and I’ve seen how even a little guidance can transform lives. This work is deeply meaningful to me, and I want to dedicate myself to it fully. I often do it without financial support, but with the right resources, I can expand my reach and help even more families build security and stability. This isn’t about me, it’s about creating opportunities for others, and I’m asking for your help to make that possible.
How You Can Help
I am looking for funding to continue this work for the next six months.
Latino migrants in Vermont are reaching out to me in large numbers, not just for themselves but for their family members, friends, and coworkers. Each connection leads to another, and my caseload continues to grow.
With your support, I can support 15-20 individuals per week.
Your donation will help cover:
- A salary so I can continue doing this full-time.
- Transportation costs, including gas and car insurance for DMV visits.
- Eye exams and glasses for migrants who can’t afford them (costing $150–$200 per person). If you'd like your donation to go specifically toward eye exams or glasses, please let me know.
- Accompaniment for asylum seekers at government check-ins.
If you can’t donate, I’d love to hear about any resources or partnerships in the community that could support these families. I’m also looking for an office space in Burlington where I can meet with families during and after business hours, a safe and welcoming environment for them.
If you’d like more details about my work or want to get involved, especially if you speak Spanish, please feel free to text or email me.
Why This Matters
These families aren’t asking for handouts. They want security, safety, and a fair shot to support their families and join our communities. They want to work hard, contribute, and build a better life.
With your help, I can ensure that they have one less thing to worry about, and that they feel seen, heard, and supported.
Fundraising Goal: $50,000 for 6 Months
I’m raising $50,000 to sustain this work for the next six months.
A portion of the funds will cover operational expenses, allowing me to continue helping the community effectively.
Note: GoFundMe charges a 2.9% + $0.30 transaction fee per donation. If you’d prefer to donate by check to ensure your full contribution goes directly to this work, please reach out to me ✌.
Visit my LinkedIn to learn more about me.
Organizer

Daniela Arias
Organizer
Burlington, VT