The Florence Project continues to provide zealous advocacy to thousands of immigrant adults, children, and families. With a staff of approximately 180 people—and teams continually evolving to respond to rapid policy changes—the Florence Project is the largest organization providing free legal and social services to immigrants threatened with deportation in Arizona.
An immigration judge calls on the Phoenix legal community to assist thousands of detained people seeking asylum from civil wars in Central America.
With much support, “The Florence Asylum Project” is founded with two volunteers providing free legal services at Florence, Arizona detention centers.
Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project name adopted to reflect wider scope of advocacy beyond asylum.
More people are detained in immigration detention in Arizona. Increased demand for services leads Florence Project to create “pro se” model that empowers detained immigrants to represent themselves.
Florence Project launches Children’s Program to serve increasing number of unaccompanied minors detained in Arizona.
A team of social workers created to assist clients with challenges that arise outside their immigration cases, such as finding housing or medical services upon release from detention.
Florence Project runs “Arizona Defending Immigrants” program, consulting public defenders on immigration consequences of criminal convictions.
“Franco” decision mandates that adults with serious mental health issues deemed incompetent to represent themselves be appointed legal counsel.
Having already established offices in Florence and Phoenix, Florence Project opens Tucson office to serve growing number of unaccompanied children detained in Southern Arizona.
Development Team created to increase resources to support ongoing services, increasing need, and strategic initiatives.
Administration attacks immigrants’ rights with new policies restricting access to asylum.
Florence Project serves hundreds of migrant parents, children, and siblings forcibly separated at the border.
Offer services to asylum seekers in Nogales, Sonora, MX.
Florence Project expands Adult Services and Social Services teams to increase impact.
Adovcacy Program launched to pursue lawsuits, congressional outreach, strategic partnerships, and communications to push for more humane policies.
People who are migrating in Mexican border cities are trapped. Florence Project establishes Border Action Team to serve more individuals on the border and respond to changing situations.
In response to COVID-19, Florence Project switches to remote work. Adult Team creates free hotline to receive calls from ICE detention.
Title 42 order effectively closes the border. Florence Project Children’s Program creates Rapid Response Team to assist children held in hotels and threatened with expulsion.
This will increase leadership capacity and help manage organizational growth.
Staff union, Proyecto Solidaridad, launches. Florence Project leadership voluntarily recognizes union within days.
The Florence Project receives transormative gift from MacKenzie Scott to launch a representation-for-all legal services model in Arizona.
