Chicago creates legal fund for immigrants facing deportation
CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago is taking $1 million earmarked for a little-used property tax relief program to start a legal fund for immigrants facing deportation.
It's a response Donald Trump's election. The president-elect campaigned on an aggressive approach to immigration, including promises to deport millions.
Experts estimate 150,000 Chicago area residents don't have permanent legal status.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Friday that the fund will be run with the National Immigrant Justice Center to help with legal consultations and representation. Emanuel also seeks private donations.
The $1 million comes from a $20 million program offering relief to homeowners after last year's property tax hike to boost underfunded pension systems. Only $1 million has been claimed.
Chicago approved an $8.3 billion spending plan with new taxes and faces a roughly $137 million budget gap.