Information for Immigrant Youth
Resources for immigrant youth, including issues like family separation, the California DREAM Act, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), and student visas.
CA Dream Act Application Map
This detailed map outlines the four phases required to successfully complete the CA Dream Act Application and receive all financial aid for which you are eligible. Verify this information with an attorney. This information changes often and may not apply to your situation. You can look for an organization that may be able to help you by clicking "Find Legal Help" above.
CalFresh NonCitizen Eligibility
Updates/FAQs on changes to CalFresh eligibility for NonCitizens
Current Status of DACA: Explainer
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a deferred action policy created on June 15, 2012 that is aimed at protecting Dreamers. DACA does not provide permanent legal status – it is a lawful presence status that temporarily shields certain Dreamers from deportation and provides them work authorization with possible renewal every two years.
Education For All Campaign
This fact sheet provides an overview of the Education for All campaign, which fights to ensure access to education for undocumented students.
Emergency Preparedness: Childcare Safety Plan
The CSP is a free, bilingual (English/Spanish), user-friendly and self-help template for a parent to designate another adult as a caregiver for their minor child and give that caregiver the authority and information necessary to care for the child. In addition, the CSP educates parents about the difference between caregivers and guardians and attaches the Caregiver Authorization Affidavit and the Nomination of (Joint) Guardian legal forms and a POA for travel of minor child abroad.
Emergency Preparedness: Family Financial Plan
Financial planning for families in emergencies/deportation situations. Document authored by Ventures, which aims to partner with rural Latino working-class families in California’s central Coast
Federal Court Scams - Watch Out!
This resource describes common scams to watch out for. Malicious phone calls and emails targeting people and others who interact with the federal courts, instructing them to take action, may lead to people being scammed out of money or personal information.
Find an Immigration Lawyer
Protect yourself and your family. Get immigration advice from a licensed professional.
Find DACA Help Near You
This resource provides a list of organizations that offer DACA help near you.
Food Programs and Your Rights: A Guide for Immigrant Families
Immigration fact sheet with guidance of rights/access for food resources
Frequently Asked Questions: Latest DACA Developments
This resource provides an overview of the current state of the DACA program and what that means for DACA recipients and their loved ones.
Guardianships for immigrant youth
A guardianship of the person can be set up for immigrant youth under 21 years old if they need state court findings for a special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS) application. If they already have a guardianship, it can be extended. The youth, if at least 18, must consent to the guardianship.
Guidance for SIJS State Court Predicate Orders in California
Note that this is for advocates and is an advanced overview of the SIJS law. This document is from April 2024. Confirm with an attorney before relying on this information. You can find more information on this page: https://www.lawhelpca.org/resource/guardianships-for-immigrant-youth.
How To Approach Your Employer For Visa Sponsorship
For DACA recipients and undocumented immigrants, securing visa sponsorship from an employer could be a step toward obtaining long-term stability in the U.S. This guide is designed to help immigrants navigate their potential pathways to securing an employment-based visa in the United States with a current employer.
Immigration Legal Service Providers
List of immigration LS in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties.
Immigration Rights Resources
General hub with immigration rights info. (e.g. DACA, workers rights, healthcare, asylum, etc.)
Key Points to Know About FAFSA Data Security
This factsheet highlights how the federal government utilizes FAFSA information. Additionally, states, schools, and other institutions can access FAFSA data for various purposes.
Know Your Rights for International Students: Travel and Visa Concerns
This resource outlines how federal policies may affect international students, including restrictions on travel, re-entry, and visa status. The FAQ provides general information on these issues. For legal advice specific to individual circumstances, students should consult an immigration attorney.
Know Your Rights: Guide for Immigrant Communities in 2025
In the face of legal threats, countless people are learning their rights and helping their families and neighbors do the same. Preparing yourself with trusted, vetted information is one of the best ways to protect yourself and advocate for your community. The guides linked in this document have important know-your-rights information for immigrants in the U.S.
Know Your Rights: What to Do If ICE Stops You or Comes to Your Home
Learn what to do if you are stopped by immigration officers (ICE). This guide explains your legal rights, how to stay safe, and what you can say or do to protect yourself and your family.
Medical Care Access for Immigrant Communities
List of health and wellness services in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties.
Policy Manual for Special Immigrant Juveniles
A comprehensive document about laws regarding Special Immigrant Juveniles. Note that this is an advanced overview of the SIJS law that may be more suitable for advocates and attorneys. You can find more information on this page: https://www.lawhelpca.org/resource/guardianships-for-immigrant-youth.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Predicate Order Resource Center
Note that this is for advocates and is an advanced overview of the SIJS law. You can find more information on this page: https://www.lawhelpca.org/resource/guardianships-for-immigrant-youth.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJ)
The purpose of the SIJ program is to help foreign children in the United States who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. If you are in the United States and need the protection of a juvenile court because you have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent, you may be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) classification. If SIJ classification is granted, you may qualify for lawful permanent residency (also known as getting a Green Card).
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Primer
Note that this is for advocates and is an advanced overview of the SIJS law. You can find more information on this page: https://www.lawhelpca.org/resource/guardianships-for-immigrant-youth.
Staying Whole and United: A Love Letter and Support Guide For Families Navigating Harmful Immigration Raids and Policies
This love letter and resource guide for families impacted by harmful immigration raids and policies is the result of a collective effort created through the wisdom, care, and collaboration of people from many walks of life — across geographic boundaries, race, and language — who believed it was important to come together for families.
Sus Derechos
Provides immigrant communities in the tri-county region of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz with reliable and up-to-date information about their rights in this country. Resources include connections to legal assistance, practical guides, and answers to common questions to help you and your families navigate everything from education and work to accessing essential services.
The 21st Birthday Eligibility Cutoff for SIJS
Under current USCIS regulations, any person under 21 years of age who otherwise meets the eligibility requirements may be granted SIJS. Note that this is for advocates and is an advanced overview of the SIJS law. You can find more information on this page: https://www.lawhelpca.org/resource/guardianships-for-immigrant-youth.
Top 5 Things to Know After the Latest DACA Decision
On January 17th, 2025 the 5th Circuit Court once again ruled against DACA, but kept renewals open–for now. This ruling is part of ongoing, deliberate attacks to undermine immigrant communities, limit opportunities, and enable mass deportation. Here's what you need to know.
Transgender Law Center Resources
This page from the Transgender Law Center has resource guides for different legal issues Trans people may face. They have a legal helpdesk that may help you find additional resources.
Unaccompanied Children Legal Rights Library
The UC Legal Rights Library helps lawyers and adults who support kids who came to the U.S. without their parents. It gives easy-to-understand legal info about their rights—like getting a lawyer, health care, and being safe in custody. Please talk to a lawyer using the "Find Help" button above to find out more about how this information applies to your situation.
Understand the Differences: In-State Tuition vs CA Dream Act vs DACA
If you have questions about your eligibility, check out this chart that compares AB 540, AB 2000, the California Dream Act and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in more detail. Please be aware that DACA does not give students eligibility for the FAFSA or any federal financial aid.