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
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