San Mateo County has made its position regarding the immigrant community clear: to protect, embrace and include them in all areas of civic, social and economic life. In light of this, it has prepared and issued a series of resources that seek to help this sector of the population in the face of the intensification of raids and deportations by immigration authorities.
In addition to the “Know Your Rights” workshop, which is conducted by the San Mateo County Office of Community Affairs at nonprofit organizations from Daly City to Pescadero, it has added important documents that inform immigrants.
“The immigration system is extremely complex,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman David Canepa. “These workshops help people gain the confidence they need to navigate that system and can help them better understand the avenues available to them.”
Download the document “Know your immigration rights” here
The workshops are in line with the County's recognition as a certified welcoming place by Welcome America, becoming the first county in California to achieve the distinction for its commitment to immigrant inclusion and belonging.
In the approximately 90-minute workshops, outreach workers in English and Spanish cover a variety of topics that many immigrants consider crucial to their future and that of their families.
In these meetings, they are also distributed red cards which include a script to help people assert their rights at home, in the workplace or in a public place.
Download your Red Card in Spanish here
In addition, they offer a rapid response hotline (203-666-4472) to call if federal immigration agents come to your home or work, contacts for legal assistance and additional resources.
Among the advice that the workshop leaders have given is that all people in the United States, regardless of their immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the Constitution of this country. You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to open a door unless you are presented with a search warrant from a judge. You do not have to sign anything without a lawyer.
In addition, they have pointed out that it is crucial to make a family plan, in case they are detained and separated from their children.
“One of the goals is to help people overcome fear and anxiety by providing them with reliable information as well as concrete actions they can take,” said Sarah Dewitt-Feldman, the county’s Immigrant Services Coordinator, who leads workshops alongside teammate Carolina Salinas.
“These workshops also give people the opportunity to ask us questions directly and share information,” Dewitt-Feldman added. “What we’re trying to do is empower people with facts.”
Dewitt-Feldman and other county presenters do not provide legal advice. Instead, they refer people to a network of free and low-cost immigration legal services providersIn some events, attorneys from the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County or other organizations provide guidance.
A resource page created by the Office of Community Affairs includes a guide to available services for all local residents, regardless of immigration status.
Know Your Rights workshops are scheduled and hosted by nonprofits and other community organizations. For information about upcoming workshops, please contact the Office of Community Affairs at immigrationservices@smcgov.org or at 650-363-4194.
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