California AB1261 ensures immigrant youth have access to legal counsel throughout their immigration proceedings.

California AB1261 mandates that immigrant youth receive legal counsel at any stage of their immigration proceedings. The state will provide legal counsel through contracts with qualified nonprofit organizations or public defender offices meeting specific criteria. The Department of Social Services will allocate funding, prioritizing asylum applications and proceedings. Immigrant youth, defined as those under 18 with no lawful immigration status and no parent or guardian to assist, are eligible. The bill also allows for funding social work services to support these youth.

California AB1261 ensures immigrant youth have access to legal counsel throughout their immigration proceedings.

California AB1261 mandates that immigrant youth receive legal counsel at any stage of their immigration proceedings. The state will provide legal counsel through contracts with qualified nonprofit organizations or public defender offices meeting specific criteria. The Department of Social Services will allocate funding, prioritizing asylum applications and proceedings. Immigrant youth, defined as those under 18 with no lawful immigration status and no parent or guardian to assist, are eligible. The bill also allows for funding social work services to support these youth.