MA H1954

Establishes the Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to provide free immigration legal services to income-eligible individuals facing removal proceedings, with priority given to those in federal detention or at imminent risk of deportation

Eligible individuals must have household income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines and be Massachusetts residents, domiciliaries, or have a nexus to the commonwealth (including those transferred to detention in other states)

Office for Refugees and Immigrants will administer the fund through competitive grants to nonprofit organizations, law firms, and private attorneys, and will designate a nonprofit Coordinator to build a statewide integrated legal representation system

Creates an advisory committee of up to 15 members including representatives from immigration legal organizations, law schools, and community-based organizations to advise on policies, case prioritization, and service coordination

Requires annual reporting by October 1 on fund sources, expenditures, case data, and grantee challenges, with first grants to be awarded by July 31, 2026