Immigration Law
DOJ guts program helping immigrants receive affordable legal representation
The Department of Justice has gutted a program that helps low-income and indigent immigrants receive competent and affordable legal representation, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter. (Photo by Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
The Department of Justice has gutted a program that helps low-income and indigent immigrants receive competent and affordable legal representation, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter.
The Recognition & Accreditation Program is part of the DOJ’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The program accredits nonattorneys who work for largely faith-based legal advocacy organizations, such as Catholic Charities and Jewish Family Services, so they are authorized to help immigrants with legal matters, including naturalization petitions and representation in immigration court, according to a story by CBS News.
DOJ attorneys operating the program were reassigned to work in immigration courts last week. The remaining two support staffers have no legal authority to approve or renew accreditation applications, sources with direct knowledge said, according to CBS News.
The program accredits more than 2,600 nonattorneys across more than 900 recognized programs, according to CBS News.
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