Bill > S1127

This bill establishes the Immigrant Legal Defense Fund in Massachusetts to provide free legal representation for immigrants facing removal proceedings who cannot afford an attorney. The fund will be administered by the Office for Refugees and Immigrants and will award grants to nonprofit organizations, law firms, and qualified attorneys to provide culturally responsive legal services. Eligible individuals must be income-qualified (earning less than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines) and either be residents of Massachusetts or have a connection to the state, such as being detained within its borders. The bill creates an advisory committee with up to 15 members from diverse backgrounds to help develop policies and procedures, and requires an annual review of the fund's activities, including reporting on funding sources, expenditures, and case data. The legal services will prioritize detained individuals and those at imminent risk of deportation, and will cover legal representation, filing fees, interpretation, and related costs. The fund can receive appropriations from the state legislature and donations from corporations or nonprofit entities, with the goal of ensuring equitable access to legal representation in immigration proceedings across various venues including immigration courts, federal district courts, and appellate courts.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1127