US judge blocks restriction on immigrant legal help
Source: Associated Press
Gene Johnson, Associated Press
Updated 2:48 pm, Wednesday, May 17, 20177
SEATTLE (AP) — A federal judge temporarily blocked a Justice Departmentdecision that immigrant legal rights organizations around the country said would curtail much of the work they do help those facing deportation.
U.S. District Judge Richard Jones issued his ruling Wednesday immediately following oral arguments in a lawsuit brought by the nonprofit Northwest Immigrant Rights Project.
The Justice Department last month sent the group a cease-and-desist letter saying it cannot provide certain legal assistance to immigrants unless it undertakes formal representation of them in court. The nonprofit says it doesn't have the resources to do that, as formal representation can require intensive investigation of a client's case and remaining involved until its resolution.
The order would force it and similar groups around the country to stop preparing motions and other documents on behalf of immigrants who represent themselves, the organization said.
Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/us/article/US-judge-to-hear-arguments-over-legal-help-for-11152877.php
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