Newsletter

Immigration: Know Your Rights!

Dear Neighbor,

With the new administration in Washington, D.C., there are deepening concerns in our state Senate district, throughout California and much of the country about possible mass deportations.

In response, the California Attorney General’s Office, the Governor’s Office, and other state officials have created helpful guides on protections in California law for immigrants (see below).

The Legislature and governor have enacted immigration rights laws to ensure that a person’s immigration status is not used to block them from accessing emergency medical care and housing, nor is it used to harass or discriminate, or prevent children from attending school.

California is home to many families with different immigration statuses. If you have a family member or friend or you know someone who could benefit from the information in this e-newsletter, I encourage you to share it with them.

Also, I am planning to hold a virtual town hall in the coming months on immigration rights. Please look out for information on that event.

You can learn more about important immigration issues by consulting the CA AG’s Office, including about accessing emergency medical care and securing housing, and enrolling children in school, as well as what law enforcement is allowed to do or not permitted to do related to immigration issues.

The Governor’s Office has also put together helpful information on immigration rights. You can find even more helpful information here, including in different languages.

If you believe your rights have been violated, report it to the California Department of Justice. If you believe you were subject to discrimination, harassment or retaliation, report it to the California Department of Civil Rights.

For those looking for legal assistance throughout California, here are more resources:

For residents of the East Bay and San Joaquin County area, here are some local immigration resources:

Immigrants built our state and the rest of our nation. It’s America’s everlasting legacy. The California Legislature and Governor’s Office have long been committed to valuing and honoring immigrants’ contributions to the economy, industry, society and culture. They are a vital component of the Golden State’s success.

It is an honor serving you in the state Senate.