1. New Immigration Policies: How should we adapt?
Bruno Pillet

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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

10. Q&A and Sharing

11. Useful Resources Know Your Rights Packet (Catholic Charities):
Know Your Rights Cards (National Immigration Law Center)
Legal Aid Societies:
Santa Clara County
San Mateo County