Advocates see Biden order as new tool in eviction, immigration fights
The order, signed by Biden on Tuesday, directs the Department of Justice to devise a plan for expanding access not just to public defenders but to the civil court system as well, where legal representation is not guaranteed by the government. It’s an issue advocates say is timely since the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic could lead to a surge in tenants and homeowners fighting evictions and foreclosures, as well as those pushing for medical assistance. ADVERTISEMENT They also see it as an opening for the Biden administration to require access to an attorney in immigration courts -- a ...