SHIELD Act

The SHIELD Act (HR 3101) would create a federal grant program to expand legal representation for immigrants facing deportation. It authorizes $100 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2027 to fund workforce development, training, and infrastructure for legal services organizations. Eligible recipients include states, local governments, community organizations, and educational institutions that provide immigration legal services. Funds would support recruitment and training of legal staff, technical assistance, and coordination of services to better serve immigrants in deportation proceedings, addressing the current shortage of representation that affects most immigrants in deportation cases who cannot afford attorneys.