Portland Rolls Out PAID “Immigration Leave” — City Workers Get 40 Hours Off for Deportatio

YOU CAN’T MAKE THIS UP: Portland Rolls Out PAID “Immigration Leave” — City Workers Get 40 Hours Off for Deportation Hearings While Taxpayers Foot the Bill, No Questions Asked


The City of Portland has officially rolled out a new taxpayer-funded benefit: paid “Immigration, Naturalization, and Citizenship Leave” Human Resources Administrative Rule (HRAR) 6.15.

City officials have now committed public funds to cover paid leave for immigration court proceedings—including deportation hearings while blocking basic oversight, all while the city is facing a $66 million shortfall.

As of January 1, 2026, city workers in Portland, Oregon, can now clock out for up to 40 hours a year — without losing pay or benefits — to deal with immigration-related legal matters for themselves or for family members.

Eligible employees may use this leave for activities such as:

Obtaining legal support or meeting with immigration or criminal defense attorneys
Attending interviews or tests related to naturalization or citizenship
Appearing at state or federal criminal court proceedings
Deportation hearings
Matters involving “unlawful detention” related to immigration status.

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