California Attorney General Rob Bonta recently hosted the second of five regional meetings in San Francisco, addressing immigrant rights amidst concerns over the President-elect's immigration policies. The meeting involved discussions with immigrant rights groups, elected officials, and others to share resources and address concerns.
Bonta has been proactive in releasing guidance to help California immigrants understand their legal rights and avoid scams as Inauguration Day approaches. He emphasized the importance of these meetings, stating, “We know that there is a lot of fear and anxiety from California’s immigrant communities stemming from the President-elect’s promise of mass deportations.”
The guidance issued by Bonta outlines several key rights for immigrants in California. These include the right to apply for housing without disclosing immigration status unless applying for federally funded affordable housing, access to emergency medical care regardless of immigration status, and the right to an attorney if arrested or detained.
Furthermore, state and local law enforcement are restricted from asking about or sharing personal information regarding immigration status for enforcement purposes. They also cannot assist ICE with immigration enforcement except under specific circumstances.
To protect against immigration scams, Bonta advises seeking assistance only from legitimate legal aid organizations and warns against hiring unauthorized consultants or notaries for legal advice.
The Attorney General has also released updated model policies aimed at public institutions like schools and hospitals to limit involvement in immigration enforcement activities. These guidelines are intended to ensure safe access for immigrants while protecting their rights.
For those needing legal assistance or wishing to report violations of their rights, resources are available through Law Help CA or Immigration Law Help. Complaints can be filed with the California Department of Justice or the California Civil Rights Department.