Portland mayor announces $50K grant to help immigrants, refugees get legal aid

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler announced a $50,000 grant that will help immigrants and refugees get legal help.

The ordinance for the grant was filed by Commissioner Amanda Fritz and co-sponsored by Wheeler.

The grant will help fund the Immigrant Protection Project by the Metropolitan Public Defender, that's set to provide legal service to immigrant communities throughout Portland. The project will also provide information about immigration law.

“The mayor and I are committed not only to be a sanctuary city, but to also be a welcoming city” Commissioner Fritz said. “By this action, we are putting city resources behind our words to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. Although the courts are currently ruling against the executive order limiting entry, it is clear that there will be many attacks on constitutional rights in the next four years.”

Metropolitan Public Defender has set aside $250,000 for the project to hire two full-time immigration attorneys and support staff.

"The $50,000 from the City of Portland will be a significant boost and help us as we approach others to support this project” Alex Bassos with MPD said.