The Center for Immigration Defense was established in fall 2017 to help ensure broader fairness and increased effectiveness in our local and state immigration system by providing legal protections for immigrants.
Providing Justice and Promoting Full Participation in Society
Many who are new to this country have very little and are often unable to afford the kind of legal representation that ensures safeguards and legal protections when detention and deportation become real threats.
The Center for Deportation Defense leverages Catholic Charities of Oregon’ existing Immigration Legal Services (ILS) team to improve our ability to tackle complex immigration court cases, specifically detention and removal defense, for vulnerable families. The center, in conjunction with the ILS team, provides high-quality immigration legal services to low-income immigrants and refugees and engages in public education, training, and community outreach to promote positive conditions for the full participation of all newcomers.
Keep Kids Home Task Force
Changes in immigration policy enforcement has put many children in Oregon at risk of being separated from their families. Catholic Charities of Oregon has collaborated with statewide partners in education, foster care, and immigration legal services to develop cross-system infrastructure, policies, and procedures to protect children and keep them out of state custody in the event of detention or deportation of a parent.
Learn more about our work protecting immigrant families.
Check out our volunteer opportunities.