Protecting Noncitizens' Legal Rights
The Defender Association believes everyone deserves justice — no matter their immigration status. In response to increasingly aggressive immigration enforcement, we launched our Immigration Law Practice (ILP) to ensure noncitizens have the expert legal advocacy they need to protect their rights, futures, and families.
Working alongside our trial teams, social workers, and mitigation specialists, the ILP identifies immigration risks early and helps shape defense strategies that reduce harm, prevent unnecessary detention or deportation, and keep families together.
More Info about the Immigration Law Practice and our services:
Defender Launches Immigration Law Practice
The Immigration Law Practice will expand the Defender's ability to protect noncitizens facing immigration consequences.
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Immigrant Rights & Resources
Rights and resources for our immigrant clients, their families and communities.
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Testimony: In Support of Equal Access to Justice for Immigrants
Chris Setz-Kelly testified before City Council in support of a bill establishing protections for noncitizen survivors of crime
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Philadelphia's proposed FY27 budget includes a $0 increase for public defense, making the Defender Association the only major criminal justice partner not slated to receive additional funding this year. If approved, we will be forced to reduce or eliminate participation in several court programs and services beginning July 1, including programs that help people access treatment, clear eligible records, reduce unnecessary incarceration, and keep our courts running efficiently. Read more:
Flat Funding Will Mean Reductions to Some Services - Defender Association of Philadelphia
phillydefenders.org
The current budget will force the Defender Association to reduce programs that help people access treatment and improve public safety0 CommentsComment on Facebook
WATCH: Chief Defender Keisha Hudson joins Michael Coard for "Television Courtroom" to talk about this year's flat funding of the Defender Association.
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Notably, the Defender Association is the ➡ONLY⬅ major justice system partner that did not receive a funding increase this year.
While the District Attorney’s Office, the Courts, and the Police Department ALL received ADDITIONAL funds, public defenders were left behind. This decision undermines the principle that every justice system stakeholder needs adequate resources to fulfill their duties.
Read More:
Statement: Defender "Flat Funded" for FY 2027 - Defender Association of Philadelphia
phillydefenders.org
Statement from Chief Defender Keisha Hudson about the City's decision not to increase the Defender Association's FY 2027 budget.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
UPDATE: We were flat funded in the city’s FY27 budget. That’s a $0 budget increase.
While the District Attorney’s Office, the Courts, and the Police Department all received additional funding, public defenders were left behind.
As caseloads and client needs continue to grow, this decision will impact our ability to maintain staffing levels, support court operations, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.
Read Chief Defender Keisha Hudson’s full statement at the link in our bio.🔗
#phillynews #fy27budget #fundpublicdefense
As City Council prepares to vote on the FY27 budget, the decisions made could shape the future of public defense in Philly.
The right to counsel is guaranteed, but effective counsel requires investment. Funding public defense helps keep families together, people housed and employed, and communities stronger.
Justice shouldn’t depend on your zip code or your bank account.
Special thanks to @mrernestowens for sitting down with Chief Defender @khudson_phillydefender to discuss why investing in public defense is an investment in Philadelphia.
Hit the link in our bio to watch the full interview.
We’re looking for experienced Trial Attorneys committed to protecting the rights of our clients and advancing justice in our communities.
In this role, you’ll:
• Handle hearings, motions, waiver trials, jury trials, and probation violations
• Manage a complex felony caseload
• Interview and advocate for clients in the community and correctional facilities
• Work alongside attorneys, social workers, investigators, and support staff to provide holistic representation
What we’re looking for:
✔ Pennsylvania Bar member in good standing
✔ 3+ years of criminal defense experience
✔ Experience litigating complex felony cases
✔ Commitment to serving indigent clients and advancing justice
Apply today at phillydefenders.org/careers
#PhillyDefenders #TrialAttorney #PublicDefense #LegalJobs #PhiladelphiaJobs Hiring
Every day, Philly Defenders work alongside clients, families, and communities to create pathways to stability, opportunity, and justice.
These are just a few examples of the work made possible through public defense. From courtrooms to community spaces, we’re meeting people where they are and helping them move forward.
#FundPublicDefense #PhillyDefenders #PublicDefense #CommunityImpact
One in five Philadelphians will need a public defender at some point in their lives. Public defense is about more than courtrooms, it’s about protecting jobs, housing, families, immigration status, and opportunities for a fresh start.
In this FY27 Budget Breakdown, our CFO, Carolyn Jester, walks through the numbers behind public defense and why sustained investment matters. When public defense is underfunded, the impact goes beyond the justice system—it affects the health, stability, and well-being of entire communities.
Hit the link in our bio to read our full FY27 Budget Testimony.🔗
#FundPhillyDefenders #PublicDefense #Philadelphia #FY27budget
Loving Drake’s new album art… but we think the cover hits harder when it stands for protecting people’s rights. 💿⚖️😂
Funding public defense means investing in fairness, due process, and communities that deserve to be seen, heard, and defended. Every person deserves access to justice — not just those who can afford it.
More funding means more advocacy, more support, and more people getting a real chance at coming home to their families. Philly deserves that. 💙
#FundPublicDefense #PhillyDefenders #JusticeForAll #iceman #drakeinspo
People in immigration court are not guaranteed legal representation , leaving many families vulnerable to detention and unjust outcomes.
As immigration enforcement increases across Pennsylvania, we’re calling on lawmakers to invest in due process, legal representation, and community stability.💙
Read our latest op-ed at the link in bio.
#PhillyDefenders #DueProcess #ImmigrationJustice
Our offices will be closed beginning Friday at 1 PM as we observe the holiday weekend.
If you or a someone you know needs assistance during this time, resources remain available through the link in our bio. 💙
