PUEBLO UNIDO PDX is a nonprofit in Portland, OR that provides legal service navigation, client advocacy, and financial assistance to immigrants facing detention and deportation in the Pacific Northwest. We help people obtain legal aid and gather supporting evidence to present the strongest possible case against deportation.

Pueblo Unido is focused on providing navigation to legal services because legal representation is the single most predictive factor in whether a person will avoid deportation, secure more stable status, and achieve the right to remain in their community. Those who are represented by an attorney in deportation proceedings are 15 times more likely to present a defense and 5 times more likely to win their case in immigration court compared to those without legal representation.

Because immigration is civil—not criminal—court, however, the government does not provide legal counsel to those who cannot afford to hire their own. It typically costs between $10,000-$12,000 to hire a legal representative for a deportation defense case. As a result, most people facing removal are forced to represent themselves, and are ultimately less likely to prevail against deportation. Pueblo Unido organized in April 2017 in response to this injustice to keep families and our communities together.

In our first 3 ½ years of operation (April 2017 - October 2020), Pueblo Unido provided free consultations and communication credits to over 330 people in detention centers, paid towards 62 attorney retainer fees, and connected over 250 individuals to free legal aid. 30 people supported by Pueblo Unido have been released from detention--10 of whom have already won their cases against deportation and obtained lawful status.

PUEBLO UNIDO PDX

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