Immigration services: grants.

Assembly Member Castillo's immigration services legislation places new limits on how state-funded nonprofit organizations can use grant money when serving individuals with felony convictions who are present in the United States without legal authorization. The measure amends California's existing program that provides immigration legal services grants to qualified nonprofits.

The bill prohibits organizations from using state funds to obstruct federal immigration enforcement or legal proceedings involving individuals convicted of felonies who lack legal immigration status. This restriction encompasses litigation, administrative actions, and other measures that could impede federal apprehension or deportation efforts. The legislation maintains current provisions barring the use of grant money to provide legal services to those convicted of violent or serious felonies, while preserving the ability to conduct initial client intake regardless of criminal history.

Organizations receiving these grants must continue providing services that help California residents navigate immigration processes, including assistance with DACA applications, naturalization, and other immigration remedies. The Department of Social Services oversees the grant program and must report to the Legislature on implementation timelines, participating organizations, client demographics, services provided, and program challenges. The measure retains existing requirements that limit advance payments to organizations to 40 percent of their total grant award.