10 Groups to Get D.C. Funds to Protect Immigrants

On March 1, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced she was establishing a $500,000 discretionary fund to protect immigrants residing in the city from deportation. Proposals were requested from nonprofit organizations and law firms.

On March 21, 10 organizations were chosen to receive funding. The grants will support efforts to provide immigrants — mainly those without documents or legal authorization — with briefings about their rights and training to “navigate asylum applications and affirmative filings.”

“We are a city that believes where you are born shouldn’t determine the kind of life you ultimately lead,” Mayor Bowser said at her State of the District address March 30. “We are a sanctuary city that’s committed to protecting the rights of our immigrants.”

Organizations to receive the $500,000 include AYUDA, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center, Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International, Briya Public Charter School, Whitman-Walker Health: DeColores, Human Rights First, KIND Inc., Asian/Pacific Island Domestic Violence Resource Project, DC Affordable Law Firm, D.C. Immigrants’ Rights Project with the Ethiopian Community Center and Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area.