Resources for Immigration Support
*If you know of U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents or green card holders still in Afghanistan, please access these three resources:
- Repatriation Form
- The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is also collecting this information, so please fill out this form
- The Department of Defense (DoD) has established an Afghanistan NEO Call Center (ANCC) to assist with logistics. Call the department at 1-703-693-0799.
SCHOOLS SAFE FROM NEW FEDERAL IMMIGRATION REGULATION
Schools and school nutrition programs remain unaffected by recent changes to a federal regulation, known as the “Public Charge” rule, regarding an individual’s immigration status, according to a September 16, 2019 announcement from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
The National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Seamless Summer Option, Afterschool Meal Supplement, Special Milk Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program are not considered public benefits that could impact an individual’s immigration status.
The “Public Charge” rule, which goes into effect in mid-October, penalizes immigrants who receive certain public benefits, according to the CDE press release. Public education is not a public benefit covered by the rule.
Resources are available at the California Immigrant Guide web page at https://immigrantguide.ca.gov/en/publiccharge/.
Additional resources and information that you may use to communicate with families in your district are available on the California Department of Education’s Safe Havens Initiative web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/eo/in/safehavens.asp.
The National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Seamless Summer Option, Afterschool Meal Supplement, Special Milk Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program are not considered public benefits that could impact an individual’s immigration status.
The “Public Charge” rule, which goes into effect in mid-October, penalizes immigrants who receive certain public benefits, according to the CDE press release. Public education is not a public benefit covered by the rule.
Resources are available at the California Immigrant Guide web page at https://immigrantguide.ca.gov/en/publiccharge/.
Additional resources and information that you may use to communicate with families in your district are available on the California Department of Education’s Safe Havens Initiative web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/eo/in/safehavens.asp.
RESOURCES FOR IMMIGRATION SUPPORT
Message from Our Superintendent, Cheryl Jordan:
There are times in our history when greater understanding and care for one another resulted from discord in society. This year’s election process and presidential inauguration is one of those moments, what Jack Weinstein (Senior Program Advisor at Facing History and Ourselves, and former educational leader at MHS) calls a “flashpoint” in time. It is neither about good nor bad, right nor wrong, it is an opportunity for us to guide our youth in learning how to use civil dialogue to express their feelings, questions and wonderings about what they read on social media, hear in the news, in our community, and from one another. It is not a time to argue, it is a time to listen, seek understanding, empathize, and be connected to one another.
In these uncertain times for our families who have immigrated to Milpitas, our employees continue to stand UNIFIED in our commitment to work together and show that Milpitas values every single student, regardless of background, experience, and views. We have increased our efforts in creating a Culture of We so that our students feel that they belong, and can continue to learn in a safe environment. Students are encouraged to talk about their feelings with trusted adults, including principals, counselors, and teachers. Parents and guardians are important partners, and we are working diligently to remind them that all children, regardless of immigration status, have a constitutional right to attend our schools.
In these uncertain times for our families who have immigrated to Milpitas, our employees continue to stand UNIFIED in our commitment to work together and show that Milpitas values every single student, regardless of background, experience, and views. We have increased our efforts in creating a Culture of We so that our students feel that they belong, and can continue to learn in a safe environment. Students are encouraged to talk about their feelings with trusted adults, including principals, counselors, and teachers. Parents and guardians are important partners, and we are working diligently to remind them that all children, regardless of immigration status, have a constitutional right to attend our schools.
Message from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson regarding California Dream Act Application:
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and the California Department of Education (CDE) understand that, in light of the current political climate, there is still confusion regarding the California Dream Act program, which allows certain undocumented and out-of-state students (dreamer students) to receive state financial aid while attending college in California. The California Dream Act is a state law,
separate and distinct from the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Despite what is happening at the federal level, state financial aid for dreamer students remains legal in California. A dreamer student does not need to be DACA-certified to be eligible for a public education or state financial aid. With or without DACA status, a dreamer student will continue to have access to most state financial aid.
Click here to view the more.
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and the California Department of Education (CDE) understand that, in light of the current political climate, there is still confusion regarding the California Dream Act program, which allows certain undocumented and out-of-state students (dreamer students) to receive state financial aid while attending college in California. The California Dream Act is a state law,
separate and distinct from the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Despite what is happening at the federal level, state financial aid for dreamer students remains legal in California. A dreamer student does not need to be DACA-certified to be eligible for a public education or state financial aid. With or without DACA status, a dreamer student will continue to have access to most state financial aid.
Click here to view the more.
RAPID RESPONSE NETWORK IN SANTA CLARA COUNTY
Santa Clara County stands with immigrant families. The Rapid Response Network in Santa Clara County (RRN) is a community defense project developed to protect immigrant families from deportation threats from the federal administration, and to provide moral and accompaniment support during and after immigration operations in our community. It is a 24/7 hotline that community members can call to report any ICE operations in our county and receive help in real life time!
Who can call this line:
Any concerned community member that witnesses immigration enforcement activity in Santa Clara County can call the hotline number 24/7. Please note this is not a general information line, if you need general immigration services contact a community based organization in your area.
When you call the RRN line:
The dispatcher that received the call will support the community member in asserting their rights, and will dispatch trained Rapid Responders to the impacted site.
If immigration enforcement is confirmed, the Rapid Responders will conduct legal observation, collect evidence that may support the immigration case of the impacted family, and provide moral support and accompaniment to the impacted family. If a community member is detained, we will connect them with immigration attorneys for legal counsel and provide accompaniment support. We want to make sure no community member must go through this on their own.
This is a collaborative project led by Sacred Heart Community Service, PACT, Pangea Legal Services, LUNA, SIREN, CARAS, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, the South Bay Labor Council, the City of San Jose Office of Immigrant Affairs and the Santa Clara County Office of Immigrant Relations.
Who can call this line:
Any concerned community member that witnesses immigration enforcement activity in Santa Clara County can call the hotline number 24/7. Please note this is not a general information line, if you need general immigration services contact a community based organization in your area.
When you call the RRN line:
The dispatcher that received the call will support the community member in asserting their rights, and will dispatch trained Rapid Responders to the impacted site.
If immigration enforcement is confirmed, the Rapid Responders will conduct legal observation, collect evidence that may support the immigration case of the impacted family, and provide moral support and accompaniment to the impacted family. If a community member is detained, we will connect them with immigration attorneys for legal counsel and provide accompaniment support. We want to make sure no community member must go through this on their own.
This is a collaborative project led by Sacred Heart Community Service, PACT, Pangea Legal Services, LUNA, SIREN, CARAS, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, the South Bay Labor Council, the City of San Jose Office of Immigrant Affairs and the Santa Clara County Office of Immigrant Relations.
INTRODUCTION
The following resources, which the Milpitas Unified School District has compiled to assist our families and schools, are not meant to be exhaustive, nor is their inclusion an endorsement of a particular political viewpoint.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Education is a Right - Immigration Status, Know Your Rights: Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) is deeply committed to ensuring immigrant students and families have access to a safe, equitable, and supportive educational environment.
MUSD Equity Questions and Post-Election Resources: The Milpitas Unified School District has developed this page to share resources that support thriving school and community cultures.
What do I need to know if the DACA program ends?: The Immigrant Legal Resource Center developed this flier about things to keep in mind if the program should come to an end, including information about work permits, Social Security Numbers, Driver's Licenses and other identification cards, travel on advance parole, other immigration options, criminal issues, and information about knowing your rights.
DACA Infographic: For an Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) infographic that details the implication of the DACA announcement.
Becoming a Trusted Immigration Ally: City of San Jose, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, SOMOS Mayfair, First 5 Santa Clara County, Amigos de Guadalupe, Office of Supportive Housing, and the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits! teamed up on this presentation in April focused on "Becoming a Trusted Immigration Ally." Materials include emergency family planning and its importance along with organizational protocol for working with family plans in addition to information about immigration legal rights, agency protocol and client protection privacy rights.
Help for Immigrant Families: Guidance for Schools: Prepared by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, this document talks about how schools can play a critical role in ensuring immigrant families have access to important information and resources.
Office of Immigrant Relations, County of Santa Clara - April Newsletter: The Santa Clara County Office of Immigrant Relations prepared the following newsletter for the month of April 2017.
Santa Clara County Office of Education Resource Web Page: The Santa Clara County Office of Education created this webpage to share information prepared by non-profit organizations that provide assistance to attorneys and community-based advocates that work with immigrants around the country.
County of Santa Clara Office of Immigration Relations (OIR): OIR has served as a leading resource that has helped local governments and other entities to understand the issues, needs, and contributions of immigrants. OIR has worked with local agencies on immigrant integration programs and to prepare hundreds of community members for civic engagement and cross-cultural understanding. Over 132,000 residents have benefited from the citizenship services that Santa Clara County funds through the Citizenship Collaborative.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson Asks Federal Authorities to Clarify Policy on Immigration Actions Near Schools: Prepared by the California Department of Education, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson ensures parents and students they are safe at school, regardless of their immigration status.
Stress Related to Immigration Status in Students: A Brief Guide for Schools: Prepared by leaders from Marquette University, this brief guide is designed to provide an overview of detention, deportation, and other immigration status-related stress and its effect on children and families, as well as suggestions for how school personnel can support families.
Train the Trainer Workshop Materials: Prepared by the Immigrant Defense Project, this presentation is for people giving trainings to clients or community members who want to know what rights individuals have during an ICE raise, how you can help clients and community members to invoke their rights and remain safe, and tactics that immigration and federal law enforcement use during an arrest.
Undocumented Students and Families: The Facts: The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) and Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost, leaders in education law, prepared this document about student, staff, and parent rights, in addition to what it means to be a “sanctuary district.”
US Citizenship Podcast: Jennifer Gagliardi, a citizenship teacher for Milpitas Adult Education, posts daily news and resources concerning citizenship and immigration in multiple languages to this website. It also regularly showcases the work of adult students in Milpitas.
Welcoming San Jose Plan (Three-year immigrant integration plan): Created by the City of San Jose, this plan lays out civic, economic, linguistic, and social integration for 2016-19.
DACA Application Fee Assistance: Find out more on how to get DACA application fee assistance from the following programs:-
“Beyond Safe Havens” Conference Supports Students Who Could Be Harmed By Federal Immigration Policies: State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson is inviting the public to to watch the live stream of the panel discussion at http://cde-ca.videossc.com/ at 9 a.m. on September 22, 2017. For more information, please visit the Safe Havens Web page at
http://www.cde.ca.gov/eo/in/safehavens.asp
MUSD Equity Questions and Post-Election Resources: The Milpitas Unified School District has developed this page to share resources that support thriving school and community cultures.
What do I need to know if the DACA program ends?: The Immigrant Legal Resource Center developed this flier about things to keep in mind if the program should come to an end, including information about work permits, Social Security Numbers, Driver's Licenses and other identification cards, travel on advance parole, other immigration options, criminal issues, and information about knowing your rights.
DACA Infographic: For an Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) infographic that details the implication of the DACA announcement.
Becoming a Trusted Immigration Ally: City of San Jose, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, SOMOS Mayfair, First 5 Santa Clara County, Amigos de Guadalupe, Office of Supportive Housing, and the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits! teamed up on this presentation in April focused on "Becoming a Trusted Immigration Ally." Materials include emergency family planning and its importance along with organizational protocol for working with family plans in addition to information about immigration legal rights, agency protocol and client protection privacy rights.
Help for Immigrant Families: Guidance for Schools: Prepared by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, this document talks about how schools can play a critical role in ensuring immigrant families have access to important information and resources.
Office of Immigrant Relations, County of Santa Clara - April Newsletter: The Santa Clara County Office of Immigrant Relations prepared the following newsletter for the month of April 2017.
Santa Clara County Office of Education Resource Web Page: The Santa Clara County Office of Education created this webpage to share information prepared by non-profit organizations that provide assistance to attorneys and community-based advocates that work with immigrants around the country.
County of Santa Clara Office of Immigration Relations (OIR): OIR has served as a leading resource that has helped local governments and other entities to understand the issues, needs, and contributions of immigrants. OIR has worked with local agencies on immigrant integration programs and to prepare hundreds of community members for civic engagement and cross-cultural understanding. Over 132,000 residents have benefited from the citizenship services that Santa Clara County funds through the Citizenship Collaborative.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson Asks Federal Authorities to Clarify Policy on Immigration Actions Near Schools: Prepared by the California Department of Education, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson ensures parents and students they are safe at school, regardless of their immigration status.
Stress Related to Immigration Status in Students: A Brief Guide for Schools: Prepared by leaders from Marquette University, this brief guide is designed to provide an overview of detention, deportation, and other immigration status-related stress and its effect on children and families, as well as suggestions for how school personnel can support families.
Train the Trainer Workshop Materials: Prepared by the Immigrant Defense Project, this presentation is for people giving trainings to clients or community members who want to know what rights individuals have during an ICE raise, how you can help clients and community members to invoke their rights and remain safe, and tactics that immigration and federal law enforcement use during an arrest.
Undocumented Students and Families: The Facts: The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) and Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost, leaders in education law, prepared this document about student, staff, and parent rights, in addition to what it means to be a “sanctuary district.”
US Citizenship Podcast: Jennifer Gagliardi, a citizenship teacher for Milpitas Adult Education, posts daily news and resources concerning citizenship and immigration in multiple languages to this website. It also regularly showcases the work of adult students in Milpitas.
Welcoming San Jose Plan (Three-year immigrant integration plan): Created by the City of San Jose, this plan lays out civic, economic, linguistic, and social integration for 2016-19.
DACA Application Fee Assistance: Find out more on how to get DACA application fee assistance from the following programs:-
- County of Santa Clara DACA Emergency Fund
- Mission Asset Fund DACA Renewal Scholarship
- Consulate DACA Fee Assistance Program (by The Mexican Consulate)
- Self-Help Federal Credit Union DACA Load
“Beyond Safe Havens” Conference Supports Students Who Could Be Harmed By Federal Immigration Policies: State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson is inviting the public to to watch the live stream of the panel discussion at http://cde-ca.videossc.com/ at 9 a.m. on September 22, 2017. For more information, please visit the Safe Havens Web page at
http://www.cde.ca.gov/eo/in/safehavens.asp
EDUCATOR RESOURCES
Immigrants' Rights: Last fall, MALDEF (The Latino Legal Voice for Civil Rights in America) issued answers to many frequently asked questions about immigrants' rights and DACA in this FAQ for students, educators, and social services providers.
Immigration law briefing for schools (presentation by Gabriel Sandoval and Elizabeth Zamora-Mejia, partners at Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo): PowerPoint presentation and video
Response to Racism in Our Schools: The ACSA Equity Committee shared the following list of resources for teachers in light of the events in Charlottesville, Virginia.
School Climate Resources
MUSD Resources Page to Support Thriving School and Community Culture: Resources for teaching about controversial issues, bully prevention, and immigration
US Citizenship Podcast: Jennifer Gagliardi, a citizenship teacher for Milpitas Adult Education, posts daily news and resources concerning citizenship and immigration in multiple languages to this website. It also regularly showcases the work of adult students in Milpitas.
Immigration law briefing for schools (presentation by Gabriel Sandoval and Elizabeth Zamora-Mejia, partners at Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo): PowerPoint presentation and video
Response to Racism in Our Schools: The ACSA Equity Committee shared the following list of resources for teachers in light of the events in Charlottesville, Virginia.
School Climate Resources
MUSD Resources Page to Support Thriving School and Community Culture: Resources for teaching about controversial issues, bully prevention, and immigration
US Citizenship Podcast: Jennifer Gagliardi, a citizenship teacher for Milpitas Adult Education, posts daily news and resources concerning citizenship and immigration in multiple languages to this website. It also regularly showcases the work of adult students in Milpitas.
LEGAL RESOURCES
2016-17 DACA Contractor Referral List: The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) funds the qualified nonprofits in this list to provide immigration legal services free of charge in the following category: 1) Application Assistance - Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
California Immigration Consultants: Prepared by Alex Padilla, California Secretary of State, this document details what type of services immigration consultants can be provide, the information an immigration consultant has to share with a client, requirements for immigration consultant services contracts, and more.
Family Preparedness Plan: Prepared by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, this document provides advice about how to create a Family Preparedness Plan in case you are detained or deported.
Immigration Legal Services Referral List: Prepared by the County of Santa Clara’s Office of Immigrant Relations, this document contains information about legal service providers, the services they provide, and their contact information.
Immigration law briefing for parents (presentation moderated by Elizabeth Zamora-Mejia, partner at Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo. Guest speakers are: Gabriel Sandoval from Atkinson, Andelson; Katelyn Brazer from the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles; and Elizabeth Camarena from Casa Cornelia Law Center)
Know Your Rights! Learn How to Protect You and Your Family During Immigration Raids (Available in English and Español): This resource includes information about your rights; what to do if you are questioned by police; what to do if police or immigration agents come to your home or workplace or stop you in a public place; what to do if you are arrested; what to do if you are accused of a crime; and how to develop a safety plan. This resource also includes a card that you can provide to immigration or the police if you are arrested; the card will tell immigration agents or the police that you want to remain silent, want to contact an attorney immediately, and will not sign anything until you consult with an attorney.
Know Your Rights! Protect Yourself Against Immigration Raids (Available in English, Español, 中文, 한국의, and العربية): Prepared by United We Dream, this resource card is a summary of things to consider if ICE comes to your home. Plan de Proteccion Familiar (Available in Español): Prepared by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, this resource includes tips for community members to remain calm, get informed, be prepared, and stay safe in the current deportation climate.
Protect Yourself! Learn How to Get the Best Available Immigration Help (Available in English and Español): Prepared by Immigrant Legal Resource Center, this flyer provides information about seeking immigration help and what to do if you have been harmed by somebody providing immigration help.
The Rights of Lawful Permanent Residents (Available in English and Español): This one-page resource, prepared by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, provides information about your rights as well as things to keep in mind if you want to travel outside the United States, have been convicted of a crime, or are eligible to naturalize to become a U.S. Citizen
Unaccompanied Minors and the New Executive Orders: Prepared by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, this resource addresses possible ways that UACs may be affected by recent changes in multiple immigration-related Executive Orders and implementing memoranda.
Legal Representation for DACA: This resource provides list of nonprofit Attorney and BIA accredited agencies (Nominal fees may apply) of legal representation for DACA.
DACA Legal Services Application & USCIS Filing Fee Assistance: The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) funds qualified non-profits to provide free legal services for low-income individuals. Click here to view the list of organizations that provide DACA renewal assistance. Assistance with USCIS DACA renewal filing fees may also be available. Services are not guaranteed.
California Immigration Consultants: Prepared by Alex Padilla, California Secretary of State, this document details what type of services immigration consultants can be provide, the information an immigration consultant has to share with a client, requirements for immigration consultant services contracts, and more.
Family Preparedness Plan: Prepared by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, this document provides advice about how to create a Family Preparedness Plan in case you are detained or deported.
Immigration Legal Services Referral List: Prepared by the County of Santa Clara’s Office of Immigrant Relations, this document contains information about legal service providers, the services they provide, and their contact information.
Immigration law briefing for parents (presentation moderated by Elizabeth Zamora-Mejia, partner at Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo. Guest speakers are: Gabriel Sandoval from Atkinson, Andelson; Katelyn Brazer from the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles; and Elizabeth Camarena from Casa Cornelia Law Center)
- Video presentation (English) ( Español)
- Video transcription (English) ( Español)
- Immigration Law Briefing for Parents / Resumen para Padres de la Ley de Inmigración (Presentation by Gabriel Sandoval and Elizabeth Zamora-Mejia, partners at Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo)
- Know Your Rights / Conozca sus Derechos (Presentation by Katelyn Brazer, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles)
- Changes in the Implementation of Immigration Laws / Cambios en la Implementación de las Leyes Migratorias (Presentation by Elizabeth Camarena, Casa Cornelia Law Center)
Know Your Rights! Learn How to Protect You and Your Family During Immigration Raids (Available in English and Español): This resource includes information about your rights; what to do if you are questioned by police; what to do if police or immigration agents come to your home or workplace or stop you in a public place; what to do if you are arrested; what to do if you are accused of a crime; and how to develop a safety plan. This resource also includes a card that you can provide to immigration or the police if you are arrested; the card will tell immigration agents or the police that you want to remain silent, want to contact an attorney immediately, and will not sign anything until you consult with an attorney.
Know Your Rights! Protect Yourself Against Immigration Raids (Available in English, Español, 中文, 한국의, and العربية): Prepared by United We Dream, this resource card is a summary of things to consider if ICE comes to your home. Plan de Proteccion Familiar (Available in Español): Prepared by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, this resource includes tips for community members to remain calm, get informed, be prepared, and stay safe in the current deportation climate.
Protect Yourself! Learn How to Get the Best Available Immigration Help (Available in English and Español): Prepared by Immigrant Legal Resource Center, this flyer provides information about seeking immigration help and what to do if you have been harmed by somebody providing immigration help.
The Rights of Lawful Permanent Residents (Available in English and Español): This one-page resource, prepared by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, provides information about your rights as well as things to keep in mind if you want to travel outside the United States, have been convicted of a crime, or are eligible to naturalize to become a U.S. Citizen
Unaccompanied Minors and the New Executive Orders: Prepared by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, this resource addresses possible ways that UACs may be affected by recent changes in multiple immigration-related Executive Orders and implementing memoranda.
Legal Representation for DACA: This resource provides list of nonprofit Attorney and BIA accredited agencies (Nominal fees may apply) of legal representation for DACA.
DACA Legal Services Application & USCIS Filing Fee Assistance: The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) funds qualified non-profits to provide free legal services for low-income individuals. Click here to view the list of organizations that provide DACA renewal assistance. Assistance with USCIS DACA renewal filing fees may also be available. Services are not guaranteed.
