Help a working farm and vineyard protect their only employee.

While many questions remain, a few things are certain:

- Arlyn stands fully with Ulises and will muster every resource possible to support him and his family through this.

- The complexities of immigration law are substantial and every case is different. We have been advised to focus on a path that requires a specialty immigration attorney. This means privately funding his case.

Every amount is helpful and very much appreciated. We will share how each dollar is spent in support of Ulises legal efforts.

Ulises name may not be on the label
but try making wine without him.

Our beloved Ulises, Arlyn’s only employee of nearly 8 years, has had his last appeal declined and we have been told to expect a deportation date in early August. We are crushed and angry and taking action all at once. This is a person who has made the absolute best of circumstances he did not choose for himself. I hope you will join me in taking various forms of action over the next days and weeks to support him as we navigate complex legal and logistical issues. To be clear, this is not an ICE issue; Ulises has NOT been detained and is currently safe. Despite that, the situation is extremely serious.

If you have visited our farm, you have likely heard me sing Ulises' praises. He works twice as hard and three times as smart as anyone I know. He is raising his children to thrive in academics, athletics, and socially. Ulises is a contributing member of his community, including paying taxes.

Ulises is a key part of everything we do at Arlyn. In the vineyard, yes, but also with livestock, orchard, the wines, events, all of it - it is typically just the two of us. He is the skilled tractor driver, the mechanic, the contractor, the trouble-shooter, the one who knows the land and all that grows here. Ulises is one of AHIVOY’s (professional development for Oregon vineyard stewards) first graduates and has been trained by European pruning experts Simonit and Sirch in sap flow pruning. He takes immense pride in everything he does. Our members and customers love not only Ulises but his vineyard dog and loyal companion Lucky.

Calls to Action

We invite you to help in as many ways as you would like to assist:

  • Donate directly to Ulises legal fund

    (gofundme charges a similar credit card processing fee as any other merchant, 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction)

  • Share posts, stories, gofundme link, encourage others to share and repost to shine a light on what the mass deportation efforts are doing to not only families and hard working residents but also to our farms and small businesses.

  • Reach out to your legislators! We will have template letters, phone scripts, etc. linked here by tomorrow. The more voices, the better!

  • If you are in the Portland area, Oregon Wines on Broadway is graciously hosting a series of tastings with an incredible line up of Oregon wineries to raise funds. During August and September, every Sunday and Monday 2 - 8 pm.

  • Lastly, your support of the farm is also super helpful: wine tastings, purchase of wine, pastured protein shares, event tickets, merch, including Arlyn wine in your upcoming holiday gifting, purchase of gift cards, etc are all helpful and much appreciated.