MA S1127

Establishes the Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to provide free immigration legal services to low-income immigrants and refugees facing removal proceedings, with priority given to detained individuals and those at imminent risk of deportation

Eligibility limited to individuals with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines who are 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 operate a statewide integrated legal representation system

Creates an advisory committee of up to 15 members representing legal advocacy organizations, law schools, and community-based organizations to advise on case prioritization, service coordination, and policy development

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