Golden State Today

The California Attorney General, Rob Bonta, has released two guides to help immigrants in the state understand their rights and protections under the law. This initiative aims to prevent immigration scams targeting individuals fearful of mass detentions, arrests, and deportations as suggested by the president-elect. These guides build on a previous announcement by Bonta regarding updated policies and model recommendations for public institutions like schools, hospitals, and courts to comply with California laws limiting state and local involvement in immigration enforcement.

In the coming weeks, Bonta will engage with immigrant rights groups, elected officials, and other stakeholders in Los Angeles, Sacramento, Salinas, San Francisco, and San Diego. These meetings aim to provide resources, address concerns, and discuss ongoing initiatives to protect immigrant communities.

“In California," said Attorney General Bonta, "we know that our immigrants are the backbone of our communities... Given that the president-elect has made clear his intention to pursue an inhumane and harmful immigration agenda when he takes office... we will ensure that the rights of our immigrant communities are respected and protected."

The guides emphasize several key rights for immigrants: access to housing without disclosing immigration status unless applying for federally funded affordable housing; emergency medical care; legal representation if arrested or detained by ICE; protection from inquiries about immigration status by state or local law enforcement; privacy of personal information; limited cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE.

Additionally, guidance is provided on avoiding immigration scams. It advises seeking assistance from legitimate legal aid organizations rather than advisors or notaries who cannot legally offer advice or representation in immigration matters. The full "Know Your Immigration Rights" alert is available in multiple languages at oag.ca.gov/immigrant/resources.

For those needing assistance with filing complaints about violations of their rights or discrimination issues can report them through specified channels provided by the Department of Justice or Civil Rights Department.