Bill Summary:

The act creates the immigration legal defense fund (fund). The department of labor and employment, as the administrator, awards grants from the fund to qualifying nonprofit organizations (organizations) that provide legal advice, counseling, and representation for, and on behalf of, indigent clients who are subject to an immigration proceeding. The act lists permissible uses of grant money awarded from the fund.Organizations that receive a grant from the fund are required to report to the administrator certain information about persons served and services provided by the organization.For the 2021-22 state fiscal year, the act appropriates $100,000 to the immigration legal defense fund from the general fund.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)  

CEA Position Rationale: CEA supports the families of all students having fair and meaningful access to legal supports. Students lives and ability to learn are often impacted by the stressors at home of potentially having a parent or loved one deported. Representation promotes due process and dignity. For immigrants and asylum seekers fleeing violence in their home country, a deportation order can be a death sentence. Those with valid claims to legal status in Colorado but need legal support to navigate their cases. 

Tier: 3