What is Denver's Immigrant Legal Services Fund?
The fund awards grants to nonprofit organizations to provide representation for qualified individuals threatened with or in removal proceedings.
Why do we need a Legal Services Fund?
At its core, providing representation to immigrants in removal proceedings is not about who deserves to stay or be deported, it is about bringing fairness to complex immigration proceedings that pit immigrants against experienced government attorneys, and tear communities and families apart.
Legal defense should not be for only those who can afford it
Immigrants are over 10 times more likely to be able to stay in the country when they have representation
Deportation proceedings are the only legal proceedings in the United States where people are detained without access to legal representation
What's at stake in Denver?
The federal government’s latest immigration orders have created disruption in our community.
Mass deportations cost our community valuable resources – we lose vital tax revenue, local industries are disrupted, schools become crisis centers and children who are separated from their parents end up in foster care.
It is up to us at the local level to minimize that disruption by finding efficient, effective and humane solutions.
Fair representation and due process will help reduce fear and take care of our community. Whether a person should have legal representation is about guarantying fairness and due process. It is a separate issue from whether someone should be deported.
- The Denver Metro Area is among the 20 U.S. metropolitan areas with the largest populations of undocumented immigrants. (PEW)
- About 15% of Denver residents are immigrants, that’s over 100,000 residents (New American Economy)
- Immigrants paid $781.4 Million in taxes in Denver and possessed 2.4 billion in purchasing power (New American Economy)
Who qualifies to receive legal defense services?
- Individuals subject to actual or potential immigration removal proceedings and/or who are subject to a final order of removal
- Denver residents (To be considered a resident an individual has to be able to verify their presence in the City and County of Denver for at least 60 days)
- Individuals who have a household income of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
Who will select the nonprofits that will do this work?
The Denver Foundation and an advisory committee, will chose the nonprofit organizations who will provide direct services to individuals.
Who is funding this initiative?
Anyone can donate to the fund, which will consist of both public and private dollars. The fund has received $385,000 in contributions from the City, the Mayor (in his individual capacity), the Vera Institute of Justice SAFE Cities Network, The Denver Foundation, and the Rose Community Foundation.
What is the timeline for the fund?
The fund has been established, and contributions are being accepted. Nonprofits are able to apply until October 3rd. Individuals apply to specific organizations.
Why should the city government use taxpayer money for this purpose?
Our community is safest when all our neighbors trust their officials and institutions, and know everyone will be treated with dignity and fairness.
Denver’s immigrants contribute greatly to the economic and cultural makeup of Denver’s community. Providing representation to immigrants in removal proceedings is not about who deserves to stay or be deported. The fairest and most efficient way to bring order to these complex proceedings is to ensure legal representation for those whose future may well depend on it.
Where can I find more information?
Please visit The Denver Foundation website at http://www.denverfoundation.org/Nonprofits/Grants-What-We-Fund/Other-Grant-Programs/Immigrant-Legal-Services-Fund for additional information. Julie Voyles, Senior Special Funds Officer at The Denver Foundation, is also available to answer questions and may be reached at jvoyles@denverfoundation.org.
Please direct all media inquiries to Laura Bond, Director of Communications at The Denver Foundation, lbond@denverfoundation.org
How can I contribute?
Donations of any amount are welcome. Please either visit The Denver Foundation web portal: (https://denverfoundation.org/donor-services/make-a-gift/ ) or send a check made out to Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund and mail to the following address:
The Denver Foundation
1009 Grant Street
Denver, CO 80203