On April 16, 2019 The City of Long Beach announced the selection of Immigrant Defenders Law Center as the legal service provider that would initiate the Long Beach Justice Fund (LBJF), an initiative that provides legal representation for immigrants who live or work in Long Beach and are facing deportation. The fund was set up through a SAFE (Safety and Fairness for Everyone) Cities Catalyst Grant from the Vera Institute of Justice (Vera), and a one-time grant from the City of Long Beach. Charitable contributions from individuals and philanthropic organizations sustain the fund.

 

 

ImmDef runs our Long Beach Justice Fund intake system on a universal representation model. We provide full-scale removal defense to Long Beach community members under this grant and will represent them through final adjudication of their immigration case, which includes all EOIR hearings (detained and released), bond, USCIS applications and a limited number of BIA appeals.

 

Generally, people facing deportation do not get appointed an attorney even if they are detained. Many people in deportation proceedings have valid claims to remain in the United States but find it nearly impossible to present these claims without proper legal representation. ImmDef has an extensive track record defending the most marginalized groups, and we are working tirelessly to maintain this impact in the City of Long Beach. We work collaboratively with community-based organizations such as Long Beach Immigrant Rights Coalition to carry out our work including community-based clinics.