SMUHSD Workshop about Immigrant Rights

The San Mateo Daily Journal covered the immigration workshop provided by our district, the San Mateo Union High School District.  Here is the article:

Families get immigration advice, help: Community organizations give guidance to those fearing threat of deportation December 21, 2016, 05:00 AM By Austin Walsh Daily With Donald Trump set to take the presidential oath of office next month, locals fearing the threat of deportation must know their rights and take preventative steps to protect their families, an immigration attorney told a crowd of around 100 gathered for a community forum on immigration law Monday.

Valicia Trowbridge, an attorney with Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto, offered her expertise during at San Mateo High School with a group of roughly 100 locals concerned by Trump’s rhetoric from the campaign trail rhetoric. Staying silent and requesting the right to speak with an attorney when approached by police or immigration officers and preventing law enforcement without a warrant access to a residence are some of the best ways to assure a citizen’s rights are preserved, she said.

The advice offered by Trowbridge comes as many living locally grapple with the immigration reform promises made during the presidential race by Trump, who has promised to tighten border security and deport those who came to the United States illegally. Though it remains unclear how hard Trump will pursue his pledges, Trowbridge said it is important to prepare for the possibility he takes actions threatening the security many have enjoyed under President Barack Obama.

“In reality, we don’t know what is going to happen,” she said, through an English translator.
The source of much unease for many is their having already shared with the federal government personal information to apply for protections under Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, policy. Those feeling vulnerable fear Trump may use the registry as a resource for targeting candidates to punish through stricter reforms.

To that end, Trowbridge said those who have previously signed up for DACA should do so again, as the application rates are soon to rise. But those who have yet to sign up should hold off in favor of waiting to see the shape Trump’s presidency takes. Trowbridge said it is reasonable to expect Trump will attempt to do away with DACA, as he has promised to amend the policy allowing some undocumented minors deportation protections as well as the right to work in the United States.

As those who are undocumented living locally may face enhanced enforcement in coming years, Trowbridge said it is important they get familiar with their legal rights and protections. Should a police or immigration officer attempt to gain access to the home of someone fearing deportation, Trowbridge repeatedly discouraged the audience from opening the door unless presented with a warrant.

She also reminded those in attendance they are not obligated to speak with law enforcement, and should instead seek consultation with an attorney. She noted though it is important to get representation from an authorized immigration attorney, rather than a notary public or attorney specializing in other forms of law.

She said those who may feel threatened should also establish a contingency plan, under which each family member must memorize the phone number and address of a confidant who can be trusted as a shared point of contact in the case of a loved one being detained or deported. Despite the variety of potentially challenging scenarios presented by Trowbridge, she reminded those in attendance they are fortunate to be living in a state with officials and lawmakers who have openly opposed much of the rhetoric expressed by Trump regarding immigration.

Locally, U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier, D-San Mateo, hosted a forum earlier this month showing solidarity with undocumented families, and local high school districts last week passed resolutions expressing an unwillingness to share with federal agents private immigration information for students.

Kevin Skelly, superintendent of the San Mateo Union High School District, reiterated that position during the Monday meeting. “We want you to know that we are on your side,” he said. Skelly also introduced counselors and school resource officers who can provide support to students who may be feeling heightened feelings of anxiety, stress or other difficult emotions.

Community organizations such as Trowbridge’s legal defense group and StarVista, a county nonprofit offering counseling to local teens and young adults, also were present at the meeting to share strategies for coping with the uncertainties facing many families.

Melissa Rodriguez, of StarVista, said she believed through the collaborative efforts of the school district and other support agencies, local families will be able to persevere through a potentially challenging and uncertain future.

“It takes a village to raise a child and we are a community that can help each other,” she said. austin@smdailyjournal.com (650) 344-5200 ext. 105

Here is a link to the article.