RESOURCES FOR UNDOCUMENTED INDIVIDUALS

Resources for undocumented students

  • The immigration legal services are for California community college students, staff and faculty. CSUs and UCs have other resources offered to undocumented students. 

  • They will provide free consultation and pay for DACA funds, with no expectation to repay. 

  • Those requesting legal services are required to go through one of the 10 organizations partnered with this initiative. Students just need to enter their zip code on this site https://findyourally.com/ and the closest community colleges will appear. 

  • Not all community colleges are fully set up to provide these services yet. In those cases, an error message will appear with an email address and phone number. Students are encouraged to reach out directly via the email or phone number provided. 

  • Other legal aids such as naturalization and family based petitions will also be provided. Students enrolled in the community college are encouraged to set up a consultation and from there, the legal service provider can assess cases other than DACA.

FUNDS FOR UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS

The California State Government Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants (DRAI) Fund: The Governor of California announced a $125 million fund in assistance to undocumented workers in California who are not eligible for Unemployment Insurance and disaster assistance benefits, including the CARES Act, due to their immigration status. Approximately 150,000 undocumented Californian adults will receive the benefit of a one-time cash payment of $500 per adult with a cap of $1,000 per family. The state's DRAI Fund will be distributed by regional non-profit organizations with experience serving undocumented communities. Applicants' personal data will not be shared with the government. People can apply for the support beginning May 18, 2020 with the organization assigned to their city of residence. BSP is committed to educating and referring workers to their assigned organization, but BSP is not participating directly in the distribution of these funds.

Please see below for information on organizations in all regions of California. Remember, you can only apply for assistance from the designated organization in the county where you live.

Southern California:

Northern California:

 

OTHER FINANCIAL RELIEF FUNDS FOR UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS IN CALIFORNIA

In addition to the fund established by the Governor, there are several private funds at the local or industry level that provide direct financial support to undocumented workers affected by the pandemic. These funds are not included under the current public charge rule. See these resources for more information on requirements and how to apply:

California Immigrant Resilience Fund (click the “Local Partners” link at the top of the page)

Legal Aid at Work: Financial Resources from various organizations

HEALTH AND MEDICAL ATTENTION

We all have the right to seek medical care with the confidence that our personal information is private and that doctors and nurses care about our health and not our immigration status. Immigration agencies also have a policy to avoid deportation procedures in health centers, such as hospitals, clinics, emergency rooms, and doctors' offices.

For more information about your rights when you visit the doctor, click here. 

To find a health clinic near you, click here. 

COVID19: If you have trouble breathing, seek attention immediately. If you need a COVID-19 test, your exam will be free, regardless of your immigration status. Even if you are undocumented and/or do not have insurance, you can get the tests and treatment for COVID-19 for free. In addition, USCIS has announced that "USCIS will not consider testing, treatment, or preventive care (including vaccines, if a vaccine is available) related to COVID-19 as part of a public charge inadmissibility determination." 

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE, DISABILITY BENEFITS AND MORE

To receive unemployment benefits, you must be authorized to work in the United States by earning the wages that you will use to establish your claim. You must also show that you are authorized to work each week to receive benefits. Those who have work authorization may include people with DACA, people with TPS, refugees, or asylum seekers. Undocumented workers are not eligible for unemployment insurance due to lack of work authorization. Undocumented immigrants ARE eligible for State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave

  • If you become ill and cannot work, you may receive disability benefits. Apply here.

  • If you care for a sick family member, you may receive paid family leave. Apply here.

  • If your employer provides sick days, you can use them to care for someone else. If not, you can apply for Paid Family Leave.

*None of these work-related benefits are used for determining the public charge.

Read more about the rights of undocumented workers here.

FOOD ASSISTANCE

If you need help getting food:

  1. BSP Food Assistance Stipend: If you are a member of USWW and are experiencing financial difficulties due to COVID-19, you can complete this application to determine if you are eligible to receive our $ 75 Food Assistance Stipend. Learn more here.

  2. Visit a food bank. Food banks do not ask for identification or about immigration status, and it does not count under the public charge rule. Dial 2-1-1 to receive information about food banks in your area.

  3. Food distribution in public schools: All children can receive free food during the closing of public schools, and this does not count under the public charge rule. Contact your school district or download the CA Meals for Kids app to find the closest distribution location.

  4. CalFresh: Certain immigrants can apply for food aid at GetCalFresh.org. Others may apply for an eligible family member, including their children that are US citizens. The public charge does not apply to benefits received by another member of your family, including your children.

  5. WIC: The Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides free nutritious meals and other services to qualifying families. WIC benefits do not count under the public charge rule and you can apply regardless of your immigration status WIC Website 

HOUSING AND UTILITIES

Remember your rights: A landlord cannot discriminate against you based on your race, immigration status, or national origin. Landlords cannot refuse to rent or discriminate against you based on your source of income, even if you have a housing allowance that helps you pay your rent.

If you own your home and can't pay your mortgage, or if you rent your home and can't pay the rent, the federal and state governments have announced eviction protection programs.

Water or gas bills: Most of the public services of gas, electricity and water have announced that they will not disconnect the services for lack of payment during this time. If you can't pay, contact your local company about the programs and offers they have during this COVID emergency. These programs are available regardless of immigration status and do not count under the Public Charge rule.

UNDERSTANDING THE PUBLIC CHARGE RULE

Some immigrants fear that the public charge rule will prevent them from receiving government benefits or that the use of those benefits will harm their ability to obtain a residence permit. Please remember:

1) NOT all immigrants are subject to a public charge determination. In fact, most immigrants are NOT subject to this determination, for example:

  • Refugees and Asylees

  • People with U Visa, T Visa, VAWA, or SIJS

  • People requesting DACA or TPS renewals

  • Most permanent residents (residents who have traveled outside the US for more than 180 days in a row may be subject to a public charge determination).

  • Permanent residents applying for citizenship

  • U.S. citizens

"So should undocumented immigrants worry about public charge?

It depends, each case is different. If a person is not eligible to apply for a green card/permanent residence through a family petition, then public charge is not a current issue. For many, the need for medical care, food support and housing will far outweigh a public charge concern. If a person has a relative who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and believes they may be eligible to apply for a green card/permanent residence through that family member, the person should speak to an immigration attorney or organization accredited by the justice department. ”

For more information, Click Here. 

Consult an attorney or nonprofit organization accredited by the Department of Justice

Please read: "Public Charge: Does it apply to me?" and Know your Rights- Public Charge Messages

2) In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, USCIS announced that the aliens applying for adjustment of status must send an explanation of how they have been affected by COVID-19 due to residing or working in a jurisdiction where methods such as quarantine or social distancing are in effect.

3) Public benefits accepted by family members are generally NOT considered under the public charge rule. Read the following: Should I keep my children enrolled in the health and food programs?

4) The new rule does NOT change the eligibility rules for public benefit programs.

5) Only some benefits are considered public benefits for the purposes of public charge.

6) The use of public programs does not automatically make it a public charge. The public charge determination is not a simple calculation of “yes or no” has received public benefits. It is a process that “assesses the probability that they will use certain government services in the future. To make this determination, immigration officials review ALL of the person's circumstances, such as age, income, health, education, or skills (such as English proficiency) and the sponsor's affidavit of financial support or contract. For more information, click here. 

7) Factors in the application that have a positive outcome can be improved: Applicants who are subject to a public charge determination can benefit by developing their skills and education including their English proficiency, job skills and level of education. Organizations like Building Skills Partnership (BSP), adult schools, and community colleges have programs and services that can help you get job training and increase your skills. Jobs and training programs are positive points for determining public charge. (Building Skills and Education)

You can find employment resources and training programs here: Find Jobs and Training

See this resource with details on which programs do or do not count under the public charge rule: PIF CHART OF BENEFITS: Public Charge during COVID-19

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

In the U.S., everyone has certain rights guaranteed by the Constitution, regardless of their immigration status. An encounter with an immigration agent (ICE) cannot always be avoided. It is important to be familiar with and  practice these possible enconters so that you and your friends, family and colleagues are prepared for any situation. By understanding your fundamental rights and how to use them, you will be able to defend yourself and respond appropriately if you have an encounter with the police or immigration agents. Watch the ACLU “WE HAVE RIGHTS” video series: https://www.aclu.org/issues/immigrants-rights/ice-and-border-patrol-abuses/we-have-rights