Removal Defense
The Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 13302-13307 authorize the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to fund qualified nonprofit organizations (Grantees) to provide pro bono legal services to immigrants residing in, or formerly residing in, the State of California.
The goal of removal defense funding is to provide quality representation in removal defense proceedings, expand access and referrals, and build capacity and expertise of organizations that provide services across the State.
State Fiscal Years (SFY) 2022-2024 Awarded Organizations
The CDSS’ Immigration Services Bureau (ISB) has released the award announcement of award recipients for SFY 2022-2024 for the availability of $23.8 million for the Removal Defense (RD) Program to 27 Grantees. Review the SFY 2022-24 Award announcement for a list of awarded Grantees and other updates.
Request for Application (RFA)
The CDSS has released a competitive RFA for the establishment of the RD Project within the ISB on March 21, 2025. The RD Program will be awarded as a three-year grant for services completed July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. The CDSS invites eligible non-profit organizations to apply.
An informational session will take place on Monday, April 7, 2025 from 10am to 11am PST. This webinar will provide an overview of the RFA and answer questions regarding the application process. Interested parties will need to register to attend the informational session. Note, this session will not be recorded.
See below to find the RFA, program details, eligibility requirements, and information about the application process. The RFA contains two main parts that applicants must submit in order for their application to be marked complete. The two parts are the SurveyMonkey application form and the downloadable RD RFA Service Location and Budget Workbook. This workbook will need to be emailed to ISB-RFA@dss.ca.gov.
Applications must be submitted no later than 5:00pm PST on April 11, 2025.
More Information
For questions regarding the RD Program, email ImmigrationServices@dss.ca.gov.