Formerly an initiative of of the New York State Defenders Association, the Immigrant Defense Project provides immigration law backup support and counseling to New York defense lawyers and others who represent or assist immigrants in criminal justice and immigration systems, as well as to immigrants themselves. The Project also conducts training programs and produces written resource materials on interrelated criminal/immigration law issues. In addition, the Project provides backup support to litigation and policy advocacy efforts seeking to protect the legal rights of immigrants accused of crimes.