Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued two guidances to help immigrants in the state understand their rights and protections under the law. The move comes amid concerns over the President-elect's proposed immigration policies, which include threats of mass detention, arrests, and deportation. These guidances are part of ongoing efforts by the Attorney General to support immigrant communities and ensure compliance with California laws that limit state and local participation in federal immigration enforcement.

Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of immigrants to California, stating, "In California, we know that our immigrants are the backbone of our communities, a driving force behind our economy, and an essential part of our history as a state." He also noted that CADOJ is committed to ensuring that immigrant rights are respected and protected.

The guidance outlines several key rights for immigrants in California. These include the right to secure housing without disclosing immigration status unless applying for federally funded affordable housing. Immigrants also have the right to access emergency medical care regardless of their status. Additionally, if arrested by police or detained by ICE, individuals have the right to legal assistance.

California law prohibits state and local law enforcement from asking about a person's immigration status for enforcement purposes or sharing personal information unless it involves previous criminal history. Law enforcement agencies are also restricted from assisting ICE with immigration enforcement except under specific circumstances.

To protect against immigration scams, Attorney General Bonta advises seeking help from legitimate legal aid organizations rather than hiring unqualified consultants or notaries who may misrepresent themselves as experts. The full consumer alerts on these issues are available in multiple languages at oag.ca.gov/immigrant/resources.

For those needing free or low-cost legal assistance, resources like Law Help CA and Immigration Law Help can provide guidance. Individuals who believe their rights have been violated can report incidents to the California Department of Justice or file complaints with the California Civil Rights Department.