A California U.S. senator wants to ensure that anyone in the nation facing potential deportation is entitled to legal representation

Last week, U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff re-introduced federal legislation that would guarantee the right to legal representation for all people in deportation or legal immigration proceedings if they are unable to afford it. Similar bills have been put forth in years past, but the legislation now has added importance under President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign.

Research consistently finds that legal representation is crucial to improving an individual’s chances of applying for relief and winning their immigration case. Immigrants with legal counsel were 5.5 times more likely to obtain relief from deportation, according to one UCLA School of Law study.

“President Trump’s cruel immigration agenda has caused unimaginable, long-lasting harm in our communities, leading to unlawful deportations that have torn thousands of families apart,” Schiff said in a statement. “Having access to legal counsel during immigration proceedings is essential to fair outcomes, yet beyond the reach of many.”

California senator pushes for universal legal representation for immigrants | Sacramento Bee