Earlier today, the City of Long Beach declared its intention to broaden the services of the Long Beach Justice Fund (Justice Fund) by partnering with suitable organizations. This plan aims to provide free legal assistance to low-income immigrants facing deportation in a often difficult legal system, according to the press release.
The City seeks for actively a non-profit legal service provider specializing in deportation defense. Required is an organization deeply immersed in immigration law, fully capable of appellate and affirmative interventions, and other critical skills. A commitment to inclusive legal practices—demonstrating cultural humility and a firm grasp on universal representation—is also imperative.
To secure this partner, the City has released a Request for Proposals (RFP). Deadlined at 11 a.m. on November 7, candidates must emphasize on immigration law and deportation defense, with additional specific eligibility requirements set by the City. Proposals are to be submitted through the Long Beach Buys vendor portal.
From its birth, the Justice Fund has positively influenced over 70 community members, preserving families by hindering or halting deportations. Expanding the Fund would bring additional services, such as affirmative applications for U-Visas, T-Visas, and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petitions, appellate removal defense, and community-wide informative initiatives. Furthermore, the selected Legal Service Provider would also manage a Basic Needs Fund, dispensing gift cards to program clients.
This project, aimed to widen in its scope the Justice Fund, relies on funds from the Long Beach Recovery Act. This plan is purposed as a funding resource for economic and public health interventions for Long Beach citizens, labor forces, and businesses substantially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional information about the Long Beach Recovery Act can be accessed on the longbeach.gov/recovery website.
Furthermore, the expansion of Justice Fund is in line with the Long Beach’s Racial and Reconciliation Initiative's Goal 1 Strategy 3, aimed to of empowering communities most impacted by systemic racism. This effort is more than policy. Its aim is empowering undocumented community members and refugees, enabling them to recuperate post-pandemic. Free legal representation for individuals at deportation risk reinforces family stability and enhances community solidarity.
