Immigration

LOS ANGELES - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today issued a statement on recent federal ICE immigration raids targeting Central Americans.

“The deportation raids targeting the homes of immigrant children, mothers and families seeking refuge from unspeakable violence in Central America go against our nation's fundamental values of equality and justice for all. Rather than sending vulnerable women and children back to the same dangerous conditions they were forced to flee, our national interest is better served by preventing those who pose a public safety risk from entering our country. My office will continue to work with the legal community and immigration advocates to ensure that these families are given humane treatment and the due process the American system of justice promises.”

In response to tens of thousands of children fleeing violence and poverty in Central America, Attorney General Harris led an innovative, multi-sector initiative that has secured millions of dollars and more than 10,000 hours in pro bono work to close the legal services gap for unaccompanied children across the state.  In 2014, Attorney General Harris also sponsored legislation signed by Governor Brown that provided $3 million to qualified non-profits to provide legal services for unaccompanied minors. 

Attorney General Harris has also issued consumer alerts and hosted a number of forums across California to provide immigrants and their families accurate information about President Obama’s immigration-related executive actions and tips to avoid predatory scams that delay and, in some instances jeopardize immigration relief.

LOS ANGELES -- Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today convened a roundtable in Los Angeles with major international law firms, immigrant rights advocates, legal service providers, and other stakeholders to discuss the ongoing need for resources and legal aid for children who have fled Central America to seek refuge in the United States. The roundtable was convened at the urging of immigration service providers who are still struggling to meet the legal and social service needs of unaccompanied children and families seeking refuge in California, and across the U.S.

Attorney General Harris and her office convened similar roundtables in the summer and fall of 2014, in response to the unprecedented influx of unaccompanied children arriving at our southern border from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.  These roundtables matched law firms, foundations, and legal service providers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Fresno, to mobilize geographic-based responses to the crisis.

“We must ensure that children receive due process and access to justice as they navigate our complex immigration courts and seek asylum or other forms of immigration relief,” said Attorney General Harris. “Legal representation can mean the difference between life and death for these children.  Through the collaborative and dedicated work of law firms, legal service providers and advocates, we’ve been able to help many children, but far more work remains to be done.”

“Los Angeles has the second-highest number of unaccompanied minor children of any city in the nation—and continued violence in Central America creates new refugees each day. Through our Kinship Care Program and an incredible network of volunteer attorneys, Bet Tzedek helps refugee children who are eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile status get access to shelter, healthcare, and education,” said Diego Cartagena, Associate Vice President, Pro Bono at Bet Tzedek. “Without our efforts and the support of the California Department of Justice, these children would show up in court without ever having spoken to an attorney. Bet Tzedek commends California Attorney General Kamala Harris for taking such an important stand to promote justice and to ensure that these children, and indeed all Californians, are given fair and complete access to the our judicial system.” 

“Attorney General Kamala Harris has been an extraordinary leader in the protection of children who have come alone to the U.S. in search of safety. She has showed compassion, a commitment to justice and fairness, and a creativity that is key to addressing the great needs of these children who are fleeing pervasive violence in Central America from which their governments cannot protect them,” said Wendy Young, President of KIND (Kids in Need of Defense).  “Through Attorney General Harris’s continuing efforts, many more children in Los Angeles will have attorneys to help them make their case for U.S. protection and be saved from being returned to danger. KIND is thrilled to be part of this vital effort.”

“Gibson Dunn feels honored to have had the opportunity to join California Attorney General Kamala Harris in addressing the humanitarian crisis posed by the thousands of unaccompanied children from Central America entering our country in search of safety, security and a chance at a future,” said Katie Marquart, Director of Pro Bono at Gibson Dunn.  “We have taken many of these children on as our pro bono clients over the last several years.  Each child has a unique story to tell, and our attorneys have appreciated the chance to help our clients tell their stories.   We are proud to stand with the California Attorney General, our colleagues and these children.”

“Thousands of Central American children traveling alone as well as entire families continue fleeing an epidemic of violence in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.  Many of these refugees are arriving in Los Angeles and face the daunting prospect of appearing in immigration court alone to navigate our complex immigration system,” said Judy London, Directing Attorney, Immigrants’ Rights Project, Public Counsel. “Public Counsel applauds the efforts of California Attorney General Kamala Harris to address this humanitarian crisis by working to insure that every child before an immigration court has counsel.  We are proud that California’s Attorney General is galvanizing the legal community to stand up for vulnerable refugees.”

In response to tens of thousands of children fleeing horrific violence and poverty in 2014, Attorney General Harris led an innovative, multi-sector response that secured millions of dollars and over 10,000 hours in pro bono work to close the legal services gap for unaccompanied children across the state.  Last year, Attorney General Harris also sponsored legislation signed by Governor Brown that provided $3 million to qualified non-profits to provide legal services for unaccompanied minors.

At today’s reconvening, legal service providers and California law firms committed new resources, including pro bono counsel, to close the legal services gap and assist children and their families in immigration-related proceedings in federal and state courts.

Over the last year, Attorney General Harris has also issued consumer alerts and hosted a number of forums across California to provide immigrants and their families accurate information about President Obama’s immigration-related executive actions and tips to avoid predatory scams that delay and, in some instances jeopardize immigration relief.

LOS ANGELES – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today announced that California has joined 14 other states and the District of Columbia in a friend-of-the-court brief, in the case of United States v. Texas, supporting the U.S. Department of Justice’s request for the U.S. Supreme Court to review a lower court’s decision and allow President Barack Obama’s executive actions on immigration to move forward. Last month, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld an injunction, sought by Texas and 25 other states, that prohibited the federal government from putting into effect the new deferred action programs.

The brief, signed by California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, Vermont, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, asks the Supreme Court to lift the injunction and allow the programs to move forward.  The brief points out the economic, public safety, and humanitarian benefits of President Obama’s immigration actions and argues that Texas and the other plaintiff states did not have standing to challenge the administration’s policies.

“President Obama’s common-sense actions on immigration will allow millions of hard-working immigrants to more fully contribute to the prosperity and security of California and the nation,” said Attorney General Harris. “I urge the Supreme Court to grant review in United States v. Texas and allow these important immigration programs to move forward so that millions of Californians can share in the American Dream.”

President Obama’s immigration actions will allow approximately 5 million people, including 1.2 million Californians, to apply for protection from deportation and work authorization. Eligible individuals will be required to submit biometric data, pass criminal and national security background checks, pay taxes, and meet the specific requirements for the deferred action program, including having resided in the U.S. for at least five years. The federal policies also expand a preexisting program for certain immigrants who came to the United States as children. 

A copy of the brief is attached to the electronic version of this release at oag.ca.gov/news.

SAN FRANCISCO – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today issued the following statement on the one-year anniversary of President Barack Obama’s announcement of executive actions on immigration:

“One year ago, President Obama introduced Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) and expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), common sense solutions for our broken immigration system. DAPA and DACA will allow millions of hard-working immigrants –including 1.2 million Californians – to come out of the shadows, boosting our economy and making communities safer. I am disappointed in the recent Fifth Circuit ruling blocking DAPA and DACA, and will continue to defend the President's actions to ensure that both documented and undocumented immigrants have access to the rights and privileges that are guaranteed by the state of California and our nation.”

LOS ANGELES - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris released the following statement today in response to the ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, striking down President Barack Obama’s deferred action immigration programs:

“President Obama has proposed commonsense actions to help address our broken immigration system—using the same executive authority that every president in the last five decades has used. I am disappointed by the Fifth Circuit’s ruling, which will delay justice and fairness for many immigrant families.  Bringing nearly five million individuals out of the shadows will promote public safety, benefit our economy and extend the American Dream. My office will continue to lead the way in defending the President’s actions so that we can enjoy a safer, more prosperous California.”  

LOS ANGELES - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today issued an information bulletin to California law enforcement agencies detailing new responsibilities under state law to assist immigrant crime victims in applying for U visas, a form of immigration relief specifically set aside for victims of crime who lack authorized immigration status.

California’s Immigrant Victims of Crime Equity Act (SB 674, De León), which takes effect on January 1, 2016, will require state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, judges, and other specified officials to certify the helpfulness of immigrant crime victims of specified qualifying crimes on a federal U Nonimmigrant Status Certification, also known as a “U visa certification.”  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services considers these certifications in determining whether to grant a qualifying immigrant a U visa.

“Protecting victims of crime and encouraging their cooperation in criminal investigations and prosecutions keeps our communities safe,” said Attorney General Harris. “This information bulletin provides state and local law enforcement with clear direction to comply with the new U visa requirements, which will help prosecutors obtain convictions while strengthening the relationship of trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.”

The new law (Penal Code Section 679.10) mandates that certain state and local law enforcement agencies and other specified officials complete U visa certifications, upon request, for immigrant crime victims who have been helpful, are being helpful, or are likely to be helpful in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of specified qualifying crimes. The new law also requires certifying entities to complete the certification within 90 days of the request, except in cases where the applicant is in immigration removal proceedings, in which case the certification must be completed within 14 days of the request

In addition to providing guidance on the new state law, the Attorney General’s bulletin summarizes existing federal law governing U visas, answers relevant questions regarding U visa eligibility, and encourages state and local law enforcement agencies and officers to be vigilant in identifying and supporting immigrant crime victims who may be eligible for U visas. 

U Visas are federal immigration visas designed only for victims of crime who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse because of criminal activity, and who are willing to assist federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies or government officials in the investigation of that criminal activity.

Attorney General Harris previously issued two information bulletins regarding immigration issues to local law enforcement agencies.  A bulletin in 2012 advised that local law enforcement had the discretion not to enforce Secure Communities detainer requests and in 2014, the second bulletin provided local law enforcement with updated guidance based on the state’s TRUST Act, which was passed to promote community policing and trust between law enforcement and communities.

Earlier this month, Attorney General Harris sent a letter to U.S. Senate Leaders opposing S. 2146, legislation that would withhold federal funding from California law enforcement agencies that comply with the TRUST Act. 

A copy of the bulletin is attached to the online version of this news release at www.oag.ca.gov/news.

LOS ANGELES - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today sent a letter to United States Senators opposing S. 2146, the Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act, legislation proposed by Senator David Vitter (R- Louisiana), which would potentially withhold federal funding from California law enforcement agencies who comply with the state Transparency and Responsibility Using State Tool Act (TRUST Act). 

In the letter, Attorney General Harris expresses concerns over this effort to undermine the delicate balance struck in California to protect public safety and strengthen the relationship of trust between law enforcement and communities. 

“I strongly believe that serious and violent criminals—whether undocumented or not—should be held accountable for their crimes.  But when local law enforcement officials are seen as de facto immigration agents, it erodes the trust between our peace officers and the communities we are sworn to serve,” Attorney General Harris stated in the letter.  “Criminal justice policy should not be conflated with national immigration policy.”

In June 2014, Attorney General Harris sent a bulletin to law enforcement agencies in California, outlining their responsibilities and potential liability for complying with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) federal detainer requests for undocumented immigrants.

The letter makes clear that California local law enforcement agencies are always able to notify ICE about serious criminals or those who pose a threat to public safety or national security.  The TRUST Act allows local law enforcement to notify ICE about serious criminals, while requiring that local agencies analyze public safety risks posed by an individual, including a review of the arrest offense and criminal history, before deciding whether to devote local resources to hold an undocumented immigrant on behalf of the federal government. 

The letter to the Senate is attached to the online version of this release at www.oag.ca.gov/news.

The law enforcement bulletin is available online here: http://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/law_enforcement/14-01_le_info_bulletin.pdf.

En Español

LOS ANGELES — Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today announced updated addresses for Los Angeles and Riverside immigration forums to be held later this month.

Last month, Attorney General Harris announced her office would host a series of statewide public forums in partnership with Univision Los Angeles, Service Employees International Union of California and iAmerica to inform Californians about the impact of President Barack Obama’s immigration executive actions. The statewide forums will also serve to warn consumers about potential scams and other fraud targeted at immigrant communities. 
The public forums will be hosted in eight California counties including: Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles, Monterey, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Clara and Stanislaus. The statewide public forums will cover topics ranging from eligibility for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program, including to how to avoid being a victim of fraud. 

“Because of DAPA and DACA, so many families will be able to get out from living in the shadows. We want to shine a light on a new path that frees them from the lure of predators and con artists,” said Attorney General Harris. “These forums will inform immigrants about their rights and responsibilities under the new programs, helping them on their way to realizing the American Dream.”

“Our community trusts us to provide them with the pertinent information on this very important topic that affects so many,” said Luis Patiño, senior vice president and general manager, Univision Los Angeles. “As a media company, it is our role to not only entertain our viewers, but we have a social responsibility to inform and empower them with the resources and tools that will help them understand complex topics such as this one and these town halls do just that.” 

“SEIU members in California are proud to partner with Attorney General Kamala D. Harris to protect California families from exploitation, to promote commonsense immigration reform, and to explain how President Obama's actions will work once they take effect. These policies will make America and our economy stronger. More students and their parents will be able to fully participate in society," said SEIU California and SEIU United Long-Term Care President Laphonza Butler.

“Hard-working immigrants who are mothers, fathers and youth contribute to our economy and to our communities and yet every day these families are being ripped apart by a broken immigration system. SEIU appreciates Attorney General Kamala D. Harris' leadership in bringing justice to immigrant families who are ready to be fully included in the country they call home," said SEIU-USWW President David Huerta.

UPCOMING FORUM DATES 

Fresno:
Saturday, June 13 at 10:00 AM
Manchester Mall
1901 E. Shields Ave.
Fresno, CA

Los Angeles: 
Sunday, June 14 at 10:00 AM
Garfield High School Auditorium
5101 E. Sixth St.
Los Angeles, CA 90022

San Jose: 
Saturday, June 20 at 10:00 AM
Mayfair Community Center
2039 Kammerer Ave.
San Jose, CA 95116

Bakersfield: 
Saturday, June 27, 11:00 AM
Beale Memorial Library Auditorium
701 Truxtun Ave.
Bakersfield CA 93301 

San Diego: 
Saturday, June 27 at 10:00 AM
LIUNA Hall
4161 Home Ave.
San Diego, CA 92105 

Riverside:
Sunday, June 28, 3:00 PM
Our Lady of Perpetual Help 
5250 Central Avenue
Riverside, CA 92504

FORUMS ALREADY HELD

Modesto :
Saturday, May 30 at 11:00 AM
Argus and Endeavor High School
2555 Lawrence St.
Ceres, CA 95307 

Salinas: 
Sunday, May 31 at 12:00 PM
Hartnell College (Auxiliary Gym)
411 Central Ave.
Salinas, CA 93901

Major changes to United States immigration policy, like those contained in President Barack Obama’s Immigration Accountability Executive Actions announced in November 2014, often lead to con artists emerging to prey on vulnerable consumers seeking help with immigration services.

In November 2014, Attorney General Harris issued a consumer alert informing Californians of these scams and issuing tips to protect themselves. In December 2014, Attorney General Harris issued a consumer alert informing Californians about possible scams targeting immigrants attempting to obtain a driver’s license under Assembly Bill 60 (AB 60).

In March, Attorney General Harris joined 13 other states and the District of Columbia in filing a friend-of-the-court brief in support of the U.S. government’s emergency request that President Barack Obama’s immigration executive actions be allowed to proceed. The brief called on the Court to stay the preliminary injunction entered in the Southern District of Texas blocking the new immigration program. This week, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals denied the U.S. Department of Justice’s request for an emergency stay.

Attorney General Harris also issued two information bulletins to law enforcement agencies outlining their responsibilities and potential liability for complying with complying with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) federal detainer requests for undocumented immigrants. The updated bulletin issued in June 2014 informed the agencies of new requirements they face since enactment of the Transparency and Responsibility Using State Tool Act (TRUST Act) and new federal case law that created legal risk for local law enforcement agencies that voluntarily comply with federal detainer requests.

For additional information regarding these forums please contact SEIU's media contacts:

English Language
Michael Roth
Email: Mike@paschalroth.com  Phone:916-444-7170 

Spanish Language
Maria Elena Jauregui
Email: m.jauregui@ocmedia.cc Phone: 818-355-5291

LOS ANGELES –  California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris released the following statement in response to today’s ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, denying the U.S. Department of Justice’s request for an emergency stay in Texas, et al. v. United States, et al., the lawsuit against President Obama’s immigration executive actions. Attorney General Harris and 14 other Attorneys General had echoed the federal government’s call for an emergency stay, allowing the executive actions to move forward, in a friend-of-the-court brief.

“President Obama proposed commonsense actions to help address our broken immigration system and provide a path out of the shadows for over one million hard-working undocumented Californians eligible for deferred action,” said Attorney General Harris. “I am disappointed that the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals denied our request for a stay to allow these lawful actions to immediately move forward. California will continue to lead the way in defending the President’s actions so that we can enjoy a safer, more prosperous California.”