Resolution Embracing Diversity and Clarifying the City’s Role in Enforcing Federal Immigration Law

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in Santa Monica

Santa Monica has a rich history of embracing diversity, equity, and acting with compassion. These are two key community virtues that we must protect and nurture.

Actions have been taken by the Trump administration do not align with our vision of diversity and inclusion. The President’s orders directs the federal government to employ all lawful means to execute immigration policies, including deportation laws, and eliminate most federal grant money that goes to sanctuary cities.

While our immigration system could benefit from reform, this should happen in a comprehensive, thoughtful manner guided by our nation’s principles of due process, human rights, accountability and equal protection for all under the law. The President’s strategies test the notion that our democracy and civil system of governance is something of which we must be proud.

Public Charge

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will begin applying the new public charge rule on February 24, 2020. According to USCIS, immigration officials will consider the newly listed public benefits in a public charge determination only if an immigrant has used those benefits on or after February 24, 2020. For more on USCIS’ announcement, please visit: https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/public-charge. Here are helpful resources to make the best decisions for your family:

Local Support

Office Hours with Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) attorneys

  • Free legal aid by appointment only- Call (310) 458-8688 to schedule an appointment- held on the second Wednesday of every month, 4-6:30pm – Virginia Avenue Park (topics: Immigration, Housing, Domestic Violence & Government Benefits)

City and Council Action

City of Santa Monica

Santa Monica-Malibu School District

Santa Monica College

National Resources

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