January 23, 2019

Rep. Correa Reintroduced Legislation To Provide Immigrants and Refugee With Legal Representation

Washington, DC—Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46) led 53 of his colleagues in reintroducing the DIRE Legal Aid Act, which provides legal counsel for immigrants, refugees, and DREAMers at risk of being deported. Two years ago, Rep. Correa introduced this legislation immediately after President Trump’s Muslim Ban.

Rep. Correa said, “Today, I am reintroducing the DREAMers, Immigrant, Refugees or DIRE Legal Aid Act. This bill will fund legal services to protect them from President Trump’s constant onslaught against immigrant communities.

“I introduced this legislation after President Trump’s Muslim Ban. This Administration’s constant disregard for the rights of immigrants communities is reprehensible. People are afraid for their families and communities. This hasn’t changed. Immigrants and refugees, legal and not, are afraid of this president. My legislation will guarantee that DREAMers, immigrants, and refugees have access to due process and legal representation before being ripped from their families and deported.

“Our country was founded on the ideas of standing up for the oppressed and welcoming the persecuted. If we wish to remain a beacon of freedom to the world, we must stand up for the immigrants and refugees looking towards the United States for hope. We cannot just claim we are the greatest nation in the world. We actually have to act like it too.”

 

The DIRE Legal Aid Act: This legislation directs the Department of Justice to award grants to nonprofit organizations that defend immigrants undergoing deportation proceedings.