Federal Grants to Expand Legal Aid for Individuals Facing Deportation.
This Act establishes a federal grant program to significantly increase access to legal representation for individuals facing deportation proceedings. It authorizes $100 million annually to fund the recruitment, training, and infrastructure development of legal aid providers, social workers, and community navigators. The goal is to ensure due process rights and improve outcomes for people who cannot afford a lawyer, thereby keeping families together and reducing systemic inequities.
Key points
Establishes the SHIELD Act grant program to fund the development of a legal workforce dedicated to representing individuals facing deportation.
Funds are allocated to States, local governments, and nonprofits to enhance infrastructure and provide high-quality, linguistically appropriate legal services.
Authorizes $100 million per year for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 to support due process rights in immigration proceedings.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_8980
Sponsor: Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42]
Process start date: 2024-07-10