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June 8, 2017 <br />range County LaborFederation, AFL-CIO <br />,Ial" <br />309 N. RAMPART STREET, SUITE A • ORANGE, CALIFORNIA 92968 <br />(714)385.1531 • FAX. (714)385.1544 <br />RE; Support for City of Santa Inclusion in Vera Institute of Justice SAFE Cities Network and Universal <br />Legal Representation for Detained Immigrants <br />To Whom It May Concern: <br />I am pleased to submit this letter of support to the City of Santa Ana's proposal for one-time matching funds <br />and inclusion in the Vera Institute of Justice's SAFE Cities Network, a program designed to encourage <br />localities to fund universal legal representation for detained immigrants facing deportation. <br />Thousands of immigrant and mixed -status families are in desperate need of legal representation during <br />immigration proceedings. After this past presidential election, our immigrant and non-immigrant communities <br />have been feeling anxious of what the Trump regime may hold for them. As a result, as director of the Orange <br />County Labor Federation, l have continued my support to help immigrant families prepare and pian to protect <br />themselves from deportation by providing educational materials, and organizing know your rights, power of <br />attorney, and legal clinics. <br />However, despite our efforts, there is a fundamental need to address the lack of pro bono legal representation <br />for low-income immigrant detainees. Absent ad hoc fundraising efforts to pay for legal representation, detained <br />immigrants are deported and families are ripped apart. These unfortunate yet common incidents can be avoided <br />by providing universal legal representation. As a result, I fully support the efforts the City of Santa Ana's <br />proposal for one-time matching funds, and inclusion in the Vera Institute of Justice's Safe Cities Network to <br />facilitate legal representation to hard working immigrant families. <br />I am prepared to support the creation of an OC Justice Fund that will facilitate the creation of nonprofit entity <br />that provides this much-needed legal representation by providing logistical and financial support for this effort. <br />Should you have any questions, feel free to contact me at (714) 385-1534. <br />Thank you for your consideration. <br />Sincerely, <br />1� R:_ <br />Julio Perez <br />Executive Director <br />20A-44 <br />,10 WCW,l6 A!{Cltl <br />