A legal defense fund to support low-income immigrants and refugees targeted by the federal administration became available Monday.
Immigrants in detention, facing deportation or in danger of losing their immigration status who live or work in Seattle or live in King County and have a household income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level (less than $24,120 for a single adult or $49,200 for a family of four) can qualify for help through the Legal Defense Network assistance.
The Legal Defense Network includes six nonprofit organizations, half of which act as access points for people in need and the other half as legal aid.
King County and Seattle contributed $1.55 million to the fund to protect vulnerable people and families who have been targeted by the administration of President Donald Trump. This follows a four-day stretch in which Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested almost 500 people, mostly in cities that have declared sanctuary status, meaning that law enforcement will not detain undocumented people at the behest of the federal government.
Ashley Archibald is a Staff Reporter covering local government, policy and equity. Have a story idea? She can be can reached at ashleya (at) realchangenews (dot) org. Twitter @AshleyA_RC
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