California lawmakers are facing criticism from legal aid groups regarding a provision in the state budget bill that would restrict funding for deportation defense services. Since 1999, the state has provided legal assistance to low-income individuals, but the new provision would prevent funds from being used for those facing deportation based on felony convictions. Advocates argue this measure could severely limit access to necessary legal resources at a time when immigration raids are increasing, thereby undermining due process for vulnerable populations.
"The majority of the funding goes to long-term California residents. And California reaps the benefit." - Hamid Yazdan Panah on the importance of legal resources.
"Since 1999, the state has supported legal assistance for low-income Californians dealing with immigration issues, distributing more than $31 million last year."
"This year's budget bill states funds 'shall not be used for legal services defending an immigrant against removal based on a documented felony conviction.'"
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