Attorney General Jeff Sessions just announced an anti-immigrant lawsuit against California.
Since this is a quickly evolving issue, it is important that residents are reassured that the state of California will be closely monitoring the situation and is ready to respond as conditions require. We have already taken steps to protect ALL California residents, and we have resources that can help. *This information is not intended as legal advice.
The State of California has provided grant funding to immigration resource centers to assist residents with immigration matters. To find resources that can help, check out the California Immigrant Guide.
If Immigration Officials Appear At Your Home
- You do not have to let the officials in your home unless the ICE agents present you with a warrant that specifically has your name on it and is signed by a judge.
- You do not have to sign any documents before speaking with an attorney.
When You Are Asked About Your Immigration Status
- You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions regarding your birth place.
- Show your immigration papers when asked by an agent. If you do not have this documentation, remain silent and ask to speak with your attorney or for a list of low-cost legal services.
- Do not lie about your citizenship status or present false documents.
If You Are Stopped In Your Car
- Pull over to a safe location, turn off ignition and place both hands on the wheel.
- Show your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
- Police may only search your car without your consent if they have reason to believe your car contains evidence of a crime.
- If you are asked to show immigration documentation and you are not a U.S. Citizen, you must show them or say you chose to remain silent. You do not need to answer questions regarding your place of birth.
Local Resources:
General Questions?
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Website: https://www.aclu.org/
Southern California: (213) 977-9500
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
Website: https://lafla.org/
Phone: (800) 399-4529
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA)
Website: http://www.chirla.org/
Phone: 1-888-6CHIRLA or (213) 353-1333
Student Resources
UC Students: Immigrant Legal Services Center
Website: http://www.usp.ucla.edu/legalservices
UCLA: http://www.usp.ucla.edu/legalservices
USC Students: Undocumented Student Guide
Website: http://usg.usc.edu/undocumented-student-guide/
Email: usg@usc.edu
CSU Los Angeles Students: AB540 program
Website: http://www.calstatela.edu/ab540/contact-us#overlay-context=ab540
Phone: (323) 343-4367
CSU Dominguez Hills Students: Dream Center
Website: https://www.csudh.edu/dream-center/
Phone: (310) 243-3696
California Immigrant Policy Center
Website: http://www.caimmigrant.org/
Los Angeles: (213) 250-0880
Health Care Questions
California Department of Health Care Services
Office of Legislative and Governmental Affairs
Website: http://www.dhcs.ca.gov
Medi-Cal Assistance: (916) 440-7500
Immigration Legal Resources in Los Angeles
Asian Americans Advancing Justice-LA
1145 Wilshire Blvd., 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Website: http://www.advancingjustice-la.org
Email: info@advancingjustice-la.org
Phone: (213) 977-7500
Toll-free: 1-888-349-9695
Catholic Charities of Los Angeles - Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project
1530 James Wood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015
Website: http://esperanza-la.org
Phone: (213) 251-3505
Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund (SALEF)
421 South Bixel St., Ste. A, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Website: http://www.salef.org/
Phone: 213-480-1052
Central American Resource Center (CARECEN)
Los Angeles: 2845 W. 7th St. Los Angeles, CA 90005
Day Labor Center: 1675 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017
San Fernando Valley: 16501 Sherman Way, Ste. 245, Van Nuys, CA 91406
Website: http://www.carecen-la.org/
Phone: (213) 385-7800, ext.136