Durkan announces grantees for $5.6 million immigrant legal defense

Seattle and King County established the Legal Defense Network in 2017, meant to combat immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Now Mayor Jenny Durkan and Executive Dow Constantine have announced that $5.6 million will be put toward community organizations helping immigrants at risk of deportation.

Since being created, the Legal Defense Network partners have used $1.8 million to screen 1,072 individuals, provide direct representation for 357 individuals, and give legal advice to an additional 339 individuals.

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“The Trump administration views immigrants and refugees as a threat to our country. He is wrong. Here in Seattle, we have always welcomed people who have faced tremendous hardships around the world. Immigrants and refugees are part of Seattle’s heritage, and they will continue to make us the city of the future,” said Mayor Durkan. “The Seattle-King County Expanded Legal Defense Network is a critical tool to fight for the rights and dignities of our immigrant and refugee neighbors.”

Most of the $5.6 million will go toward low-income Seattle workers and King County residents experiencing issues with their immigration status, including those facing deportation, residents in detention, as well as those who may lose their immigration status.

Recipients for the funds are Kids in Need of Defense ($860,000), Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) and Colectiva Legal del Pueblo joint application ($2,665,000), West African Community Council ($748,000), Asian Counseling and Referral Service ($493,333), and Entre Hermanos ($680,000).

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“Our values are clear: King County is a welcoming community that respects all people,” said Executive Constantine. “The funding dedicated to the Expanded Legal Defense Network underscores our commitment to equity and social justice by improving access to legal services and ensuring the rights of immigrants and refugees are upheld.”

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