Angelina Jolie, Microsoft team up for immigrant kids’ rights

Angelina Jolie, Microsoft Corp., law firms and corporate law departments are teaming up to create a legal system for children of parents involved in U.S. immigration proceedings.

The Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) will provide pro bono legal defense for unaccompanied children, according to the Redmond computer giant (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Jolie, a celebrity actress also known for her humanitarian work.

“Through our support of KIND, we hope to inspire the participation of many more representatives of our legal community to offer these children the fundamental protection they need. Every lawyer has a professional responsibility to provide pro bono legal services to those unable to pay,” said Brad Smith, Microsoft’s general counsel, in a statement.

Jolie said that the U.S. provides no lawyers for children of parents involved in immigration court proceedings.

“These children often have nothing; no money, no support and no family, yet they come to America seeking its promises of a better life. But many end up becoming lost, traumatized, and ultimately forgotten,” Jolie said in a statement.

So far, KIND has received more than $2 million in donations, and more than 25 law firms and corporate law departments have committed to contributing more than 13,000 pro bono hours during KIND’s first year of operation. The organization will be based in Washington, D.C.


Source:http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories