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Montgomery County, Md. is considering setting aside nearly $400,000 dollars to help fund legal representation for residents who face deportation. If the measure passes, the county would join other local jurisdictions, including Arlington, Va., Prince George’s County, Md. and Washington, D.C., that have similar programs. The absence of legal representation dramatically increases the chances that an immigrant will be deported, and supporters of the measure say a recent jump in the number of detained immigrants surpasses the supply of lawyers who can work pro bono. Others in the county, though, see the proposal as a step away from the interests of residents. Kojo explores what the proposal could mean for Montgomery County and how similar measures have played out in neighboring jurisdictions.
Guests
- Ed Amatetti Board Member, Montgomery County Taxpayers League; Board Member, Maryland Taxpayers Association
- Claudia Cubas Litigation Director, Capital Area Immigrants' Rights (CAIR) Coalition; @claudiarcubas
