Modeled after programs in other cities, the L.A. Justice Fund will use city and county money and private donations to help those facing deportation proceedings. That program, passed by the Senate earlier this month, also bars those with violent criminal convictions. Some anti-illegal immigration activists have criticized the L.A. Justice Fund, calling the program a waste of taxpayer dollars that interferes with the federal government’s immigration policies. Why punish them again through the immigration system?”A Solis spokeswoman said Friday that the Board of Supervisors vote on the L.A. Justice Fund hasn’t been rescheduled. At a committee hearing on the L.A. Justice Fund last month, Councilwoman Nury Martinez said she wanted to ensure that those convicted of “heinous crimes” can’t use the fund.

Source: Los Angeles Times April 17, 2017 09:56 UTC