San Francisco Mayor Supports Legal Fund for Immigrants

Interim San Francisco Mayor Mark Farrell, who formerly was one of the most fiscally conservative members of the Board of Supervisors, has teamed up with Assemblyman Phil Ting, D-San Francisco to help fund lawyers in immigration court. The duo has requested a $7 million annual budget line-item to fund lawyers for immigrants in Northern California’s immigration court, which is based in San Francisco. If approved, a large share of this money would likely go to the city’s public defender, who typically provides lawyers for immigrants in immigration court; it would effectively triple the size of the public defender’s immigration unit, currently headed up by the husband of Supervisor Hilary Ronen. This proposal came about the same week as the arrest of more than 150 undocumented immigrants in cities throughout Northern California, including San Francisco. Farrell also has a back-up plan to help expand the public defender’s office and legal representation services for immigrants. If the state denies the request, Farrell has promised to use city funds to create seven additional public defender positions in the new two-year budget; he also will provide funds for non-profits offering legal services for immigrants. However, Farrell is confident that the state will deliver on their proposed line-item, given the public outcry over increased immigration enforcement and California’s establishment as the first sanctuary state. Nevertheless, if Farrell strikes out at the state level, his plan for alternate city-based funding will be set in stone, regardless as to whom becomes major following the election in June. Although progressives lauded Farrell’s actions in supporting immigrant rights, which has not always been the prevailing sentiment coming from the mayor’s office, they stopped short of labelling Farrell as a progressive in terms of politics. Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C. is an Oakland immigration law firm who has dedicated its practice to protecting the interests of immigrants who are facing deportation. Whether you are potentially deportable due to a visa overstay or a lack of valid immigration status, we can help. We are prepared to build the strongest case possible in order to defend you against deportation. Contact us today to set up your legal consultation and discover what assistance we can offer to you and your family.