Existing law requires the State Department of Social Services, subject to an appropriation, to provide grants to qualified nonprofit organizations through contracts, in order to provide certain immigration-related legal services to persons residing in, or formerly residing in, the state. Under existing law, those grants are aimed at obtaining certain immigration remedies and benefits, assisting with the naturalization process and an appeal arising from the process, or providing legal training and technical assistance.

This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to establish the Immigration Legal Fellowship Program within the State Department of Social Services to expand access to high-quality immigration legal services, including removal defense, by supporting the placement of qualified legal fellows in rural and underserved regions of California.