More Jurisdictions To Provide Legal Defense For Immigrants At Risk Of Deportation

NPR reports:

While the Trump administration continues the federal government's already-massive deportation program, 11 cities and counties will be joining the list of jurisdictions providing legal defense for undocumented immigrants at risk of deportation.

The Vera Institute of Justice, a nonprofit that researches and advocates changes in the criminal justice system, launched the Safety and Fairness for Everyone (SAFE) Cities Network this past week. The cities and counties making up the network will be providing legal counsel for immigrants facing deportation proceedings.

Vera says it selected the jurisdictions for committing to invest public money toward defending immigrants against deportation. The nonprofit says it will use a fund it administers to match the public money.

"Immigration is part of our nation's past, present, and future, and our communities will find more opportunities to grow and thrive when we recognize and embrace this fact," Vera Institute President Nicholas Turner said in the statement. "That means that all residents must see their justice systems — from our law enforcement to our courts — as delivering on our country's promise of fairness."

The illegal lobby in action.