Nearly $50 million in the California state budget will go to expanded legal services for immigrants
Good immigration news for immigrants in California! California lawmakers approved $45 million in a state budget plan to expand legal services for immigrants. Importantly, immigrants facing removal; are not guaranteed representation.
The funds are greater than what Governor Jerry Brown proposed and will be an ongoing allocation through 2020. The monies will go to legal services agencies, immigrant rights groups, and faith-based organizations.
The $30-million legal assistance program, run by the state Department of Social Services, was first assembled to help thousands of immigrants apply for naturalization and former President Obama’s deferred action programs. With the additional money, providers will also be able to help immigrants in removal proceedings.
KJ