PRESS RELEASE

*Updated* The below public notice was updated on Nov. 8, 2023, to include the extended submission deadline of Dec. 12 (previously stated Nov. 7). 

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is seeking to partner with one or more qualified organizations to provide free legal representation and outreach, through the Long Beach Justice Fund (Justice Fund), to low-income immigrants who are at risk of deportation. The expansion of the Justice Fund will provide community connection services, such as outreach, legal service education, client advocacy, and additional forms of legal representation to safeguard residents from potentially facing deportation.

The Justice Fund expansion will provide enhanced services beyond detained removal defense, including:

• Affirmative applications for people who are not in removal proceedings, but seeking immigration protections including but not limited to U-Visas, T-Visas, and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petitions. 
• Appellate removal defense, such as filing Motions to Reopen and Ninth Circuit Appeals for cases in which an immigration judge orders a person to be deported. 
• Community outreach, education and referrals to the Justice Fund.
• The Legal Service Provider will also administer a Basic Needs Fund, which offers gift cards to clients referred to the program.  

Since its inception, the Justice Fund has positively impacted over 70 Long Beach community members, giving them more time with their family and a heightened sense of safety. The City seeks a non-profit legal services partner focusing on Immigration law, specifically deportation defense. The Long Beach Justice Fund requires legal experience in both appellate and affirmative interventions, a fundamental and demonstrated understanding of universal representation, and cultural humility to ensure that vendor candidates facilitate inclusive legal practices.

As such, the City has launched a Request for Proposals (RFP). Eligible organizations are encouraged to submit proposals through the City’s vendor portal, Long Beach Buys, by 11 a.m. on Dec. 12, 2023. To be eligible, proposed programs must be focused on immigration law and deportation defense. The City will prioritize funding for community members with strong Long Beach ties, whose income is below 200% of the federal poverty line.  Specific details related to eligibility requirements and submission instructions are available on the Long Beach Buys website.

Expanding community access to legal assistance for immigrants and refugee residents empowers undocumented community members. The Justice Fund provides free legal representation to low-income individuals residing or working in Long Beach and at risk of deportation. The Justice Fund stands as a pillar, ensuring stability for families and the community alike, addressing support for residents to navigate the complicated landscape of immigration law and reducing the number of Long Beach families and communities impacted by deportation.

This program is made possible by the Long Beach Recovery Act, a plan to fund economic and public health initiatives for Long Beach residents, workers and businesses critically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional information about the Long Beach Recovery Act is available at longbeach.gov/recovery.

Efforts to expand the existing Long Beach Justice Fund aligns with Goal 1, Strategy 3 of Long Beach’s Racial and Reconciliation Initiative to center voices of communities/community members most impacted by systemic racism in policies, practices and programs.

Media inquiries can be directed to Antonio Viramontes, Office of Equity Specialist, City of Long Beach Office of Equity, 562.570.6782 or tony.viramontes@longbeach.gov.