"New York City is taking steps to ensure that all residents are given a fair day in court, despite their immigration status.

Mayor Bill de Blasio is set to announce on Friday the opening of the Padilla Support Center, which will provide services for criminal trial-level, appellate, and family court lawyers representing immigrant clients.

Through the center — which is located at 40 West 39th St. — attorneys will receive expert advice on how to help defendants facing any sort of criminal charge, which ranges from minor, non-violent offenses to felony crimes as well.

According to the city there are currently about 1.5 million immigrants across the five boroughs who are not American citizens. Out of this number, a total of 700,000 are eligible to apply for citizenship – however entering a guilty plea or being convicted can impact that process."