Legal Assistance for Montgomery County Families Affected By Trump Travel Ban

From David Trone: The legal status of the Trump Administration’s efforts to restrict travel by citizens from several Muslim counties remains uncertain as various appeals are heard in federal courts. But Montgomery County families affected by the ban will have legal assistance if and when the executive order goes into effect. The David and June Trone Family Foundation announced today that the Trones will fund legal assistance to county residents affected by the Trump Administration’s executive order travel ban.

An initial $100,000 grant to the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc., (CLINIC) funded the hiring of an immigration attorney to handle cases. Grants to other Montgomery organizations – Interfaith Works, CASA and the local chapter of the ACLU – will help defer their cost in directing affected people to the legal assistance, encourage legal professionals to participate in the effort, and provide related services.

In announcing the grants, David Trone said, “The Trump administration’s action is an attack on the basic freedoms Americans hold dear and an affront to all of us. June, our children, and I are committed to doing whatever is needed to protect the rights of our neighbors affected by this outrageous policy. Talk is cheap, but no price can be put on our rights. We hope this gift will inspire others to give their assistance and their money to organizations like these who are serving those whose lives are being disrupted.”

Jeanne M. Atkinson, the executive director of CLINIC, issued the following statement: “The Trone family’s generosity helps fill a critical gap in legal services available for families in need due to this order. We are honored that the Trones took the initiative to help us expand our reach into this critical area.”

Jennifer Freedman, chief of finance and development for CASA, said that “many of the people we serve face struggles with immigration issues on a daily basis. The Trones’ gift will help us direct people effected by Trump’s travel ban to the legal assistance available to them.”

Shane Rock, chief executive officer of Interfaith Works, said “we are thankful for the Trone’s gift and their commitment to helping our neighbors in Montgomery County. The fact that CLINIC will be providing the legal assistance is a shining example of how people of all faiths can come together. We commend the Trones for making this possible.”

Anthony Romero, Executive Director of the national ACLU said, “David and June Trone have been steadfast supporters of the ACLU for over two decades. Their immediate action means those in Montgomery County who need legal assistance will have it. June and David’s dedication to protecting our rights is in stark contrast to the
Trump administration’s attacks on liberty.”

Darian Unger, Chair of the Montgomery County ACLU, said “I appreciate that David Trone is such a strong supporter of criminal justice reform and an important voice for civil liberties. His contributions – not only financially but also in thought -- are important and genuinely helpful. It’s impossible to say how much this current grant will mean to the families, and the lawyers and paralegals who want to help them.”

Montgomery County families affected by the immigration and travel restrictions are encouraged to contact Kiyanoush Razaghi, the CLINIC attorney handling these cases, at 301-565-4826.

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