The SHIELD Act authorizes the federal government to award grants to states, local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions to expand the workforce and infrastructure needed to provide legal representation to immigrants facing deportation. The bill acknowledges that approximately 80 percent of immigrants in deportation proceedings are unrepresented, despite studies showing that those with lawyers are significantly more likely to win their cases and avoid detention. Eligible recipients can use grant funds for workforce recruitment and training, technical assistance, staffing retention strategies, and related infrastructure, with grant terms lasting four years and renewable thereafter. The legislation includes oversight provisions requiring annual reporting by grantees, audits by the Department of Justice Inspector General, and accountability measures to prevent misuse of funds. The bill authorizes $100 million annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support these efforts.
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