FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 30, 2026
CONTACT: press@acaciajustice.org
SACRAMENTO, CA—Following the signing of the 2026-2027 California state budget, the Golden State now leads the nation in expanding access to due process and justice for immigrant children and adults. At a time when the federal government is chipping away at due process in immigration courtrooms, California leaders have shown their unwavering commitment to the immigrant children and families across the state.
California Leadership has renewed investments in the Children’s Holistic Immigration Representation Project (CHIRP) to ensure legal and social services to more than 1,000 children. Unaccompanied immigrant children, who are among the most vulnerable members of our society often have fled targeted violence, persecution, trafficking, abuse, or abandonment. This investment will ensure more children receive the legal support and social services they need, so they do not have to face a complex immigration system alone.
Additionally, the state will initiate the Immigration Counsel Access Pilot Program administered by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). This program will ensure a basic level of due process for unrepresented individuals in immigration court with the goal of establishing a scalable model for a statewide access-to-counsel system. The program will address the immediate needs of impacted families by providing legal consultations in immigration court, establishing a coordinated screening and referral system, and expanding access to habeas relief through the development of a mentored network of legal advocates prepared to file timely habeas petitions for individuals at risk of detention.
Hortencia Rodríguez Sandoval, director of community partnerships and state and local policy at the Acacia Center for Justice, said in response:
“We applaud Governor Newsom and the Legislature as they reaffirm their commitment to millions of community members across the state at risk of detention and deportation. As the avenues for legal protection erode and the mass processing of people in court increases, the state has responded to community calls by doubling down and expanding services and programs that connect families to critical legal information and support.”
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Acacia Center for Justice expands meaningful access to justice and freedom for immigrants at risk of detention or deportation in partnership with an accountable and independent national network of immigrant legal service providers and community partners. Acacia Center for Justice’s reach and impact are unparalleled. The national nonprofit currently operates publicly funded programs and responsive collaborations through a network of over 130 legal service providers nationwide.
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