New Immigration Policies: How should we adapt? Bruno Pillet

The Problem Shift in the current administration has created anxiety and confusion in many immigrants communities. Individuals and families become more hesitant in seeking resources They voluntarily withdraw from resources they are currently accessing Some of our employees or volunteers feel the same anxiety and may be part of this same community

Several Facets to the Response Maintaining trust in our services Easing anxiety in our employees and volunteers Anticipating future situations Supporting/advising immigrant individuals and families

Maintaining Trust Food Distribution Key Messaging: No change to eligibility for food assistance and distributions No change to Federal and State laws protecting privacy We don’t collect information about participants immigration status What you can do: Inform employees and volunteers “All Welcome Here” Flyers Renewed focus on clients’ experience

Maintaining Trust School/Youth Meals Key Messaging: Household information collected is strictly confidential and cannot be shared Immigration status is not requested (schools nor summer meals) Free or reduced price school meals are not considered public charge. What you can do: Inform employees and volunteers Direct households to an approved immigration service if they would like further clarification

Maintaining Trust CalFresh and WIC Key Messaging: No change to laws and policies surrounding CalFresh or WIC Neither are considered public charge Immigration status is not requested to receive WIC No change to Federal and State laws protecting privacy What you can do: Inform employees and volunteers Direct households to an approved immigration service if they would like further clarification

Easing Anxiety of Employees & Volunteers Key Messaging: Know your rights about “unreasonable searches and seizures” Homeland Security has “policies concerning enforcement actions at or focused on sensitive locations” like schools, hospitals, places of worship. What you can do: Develop “what if” procedures Inform employees and volunteers Direct them to an approved immigration service if they would like further clarification

Anticipate What’s next? Tell facts on the ground from rumors Actions on “sanctuary” cities What we can do: Collect actual data and facts Stay connected with immigrant community Stay flexible and prepare for demand changes (increase or decrease)

Support Immigrants How far should we go? Available expertise on immigration issues Advocacy vs mission What we can do: Collect and provide pointers to reliable resource Inform our employees and volunteers Organizing immigrants information sessions Engage in legislative policy around immigration

Q&A and Sharing

Useful Resources Know Your Rights Packet (Catholic Charities): https://www.sccgov.org/sites/oir/Documents/Raids%20Response.pdf Know Your Rights Cards (National Immigration Law Center) https://www.nilc.org/issues/immigration-enforcement/everyone-has-certain-basic-rights/ Legal Aid Societies: Santa Clara County http://www.legalaidsociety.org/immigration.html San Mateo County http://www.legalaidsmc.org/linking-immigrants-to-benefits-resources--education-libre.html