Alaska Institute for Justice protecting human rights and promoting social justice since 2005

The Anchorage Press, OCTOBER 7 – OCTOBER 13, 2021

For 16 years, the Alaska Institute for Justice has worked tirelessly to promote social justice, serving nearly 7,000 Alaskans since its inception in 2005. Although its beginnings were humble, the services that the organization, then known as the Alaska Immigration Justice Project, provides were and continue to be indispensable.

Navigating the immigration system in this country is a perilous journey. The rules are complex and ever-changing, and justice moves slowly. For those whose first language is not English, especially those fleeing untenable and often dangerous conditions in their home country, adjusting their immigration status can seem like an insurmountable task. Many are victims of human trafficking or violent crimes and sexual abuse.

Immigration attorneys Robin Bronen, Mara Kimmel, and Jason Baumetz, among others, were facing this crisis first-hand when they worked at what was then called the Immigration and Refugee Services Program (now the Refugee Assistance and Immigration Services Program. When that program closed in February 2005, they quickly realized that the community’s need for low-cost or pro bono legal assistance was burgeoning and could simply not be ignored. Numerous community members and partner organizations stood behind them in their effort to form a new non-profit to serve those so desperately in need of their help.

Legal Services

AIJ staff provides services statewide, traveling to many communities throughout Alaska including, Unalaska, Sitka, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Juneau, Fairbanks, Kenai and Homer. AIJ’s legal service priorities include representing immigrant crime victims and people fleeing persecution and torture in their home countries. Our staff also assists human trafficking victims and Alaskan families seeking to reunite with family members residing outside of the United States.

In addition to providing quality direct legal services, AIJ staff members serve as a critical resource for state and federal public agencies on issues involving immigrants and refugees. Health care providers, social service providers, state officials, criminal defense attorneys, prosecutors and judges are just a few of the professionals in our state who rely on the expertise of the AIJ staff.

Anchorage Staff and Additional Languages Spoken

Robin Bronen, JD PhD, Spanish
Executive Director

Indra Arriaga, Spanish
Grants & Operational Director

Legal Program Director, Korean

Supervising Attorney, Spanish

Volunteer Staff Attorney

Human Trafficking Staff Attorney/Case Manager, Spanish

Carmen Sanchez
Grant Manager/Rural Outreach Coordinator, Spanish

Mai La Vang
Language Interpreter Center Program Director, Hmong
Juneau Staff and Additional Languages Spoken

Kari Robinson, JD
Deputy Director

Ivette Lugo, MCJ
Rural Outreach Coordinator/Paralegal, Spanish

Awards

• 2017 Carla Timpone Award for Activism presented to Kari Robinson, AIJ Deputy Director, from the Alaska Women’s Lobby for her hard work, dedication and leadership and advocacy on behalf of Alaskan women, children and families
• 2017 First Lady’s Volunteer of the Year Award presented to Dan Rodgers for his outstanding volunteer work for the Alaska Immigration Justice Project
• 2014 Bridge Builders Anchorage Award presented to the Alaska Immigration Justice Project in recognition for excellence in community service
• May 2014 Alaska Bar Association Robert K. Hickerson Public Service Award presented to Dan Rodgers in honor of his outstanding dedication and service in the provision of pro bono legal services and legal services to low income persons
• February 2014 Certificate of Appreciation awarded to the Alaska Institute for Justice in recognition for outstanding sacrifice and special kind help for activities of Wat Loa of Anchorage
• 2013 Soroptimist International of Anchorage Advancing the Status of Women Award presented to the Alaska immigration Justice Project by Senator Mark Begich
• 2012 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award presented to the Alaska Immigration Justice Project in recognition of outstanding contributions to our nation’s communities through unselfish dedication and leadership
• 2010 Alaska Bar Association Pro Bono Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Dan Rodgers
• May 2010 Alaska Bar Association International Law Section First Annual Human Rights Award presented to Robin Bronen in honor of her outstanding dedication and service in protecting the human rights of immigrants and refugees in Alaska
• 2007 Mayor’s Community & Non-profit Organization Diversity Appreciation Award presented to the Alaska Immigration Justice Project
• May 2007 Alaska Bar Association Robert K. Hickerson Public Service Award presented to Robin Bronen in honor of her outstanding dedication and service in the provision of Pro Bono legal services