Immigrant Resources
Welcome! The recent changes to immigration policy have prompted the City of San José to work collaboratively with the County of Santa Clara and community-based organizations to ensure that our immigrant community receives accurate and timely information about President Obama’s executive order. We want to make sure that those who are eligible for administrative relief, expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the creation of the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) program, are well informed and prepared to benefit from it. Here you will find information about organizations equipped to serve you and a list of informational events in San José.
The Supreme Court Decision in United States v. Texas
On June 23, 2016, the United States Supreme Court issued a 4-4 decision in
United States v. Texas, the case challenging expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA). This means the block remains in place and people cannot apply for the expanded DACA and DAPA. The 2012 DACA program is still in effect. People can continue to apply and renew DACA. However, this does have a profound and disappointing impact on the
millions would-be eligible immigrants whose lives remain in limbo after the Court's ruling.
Read More: Court Decision,
Q&A, and
Other Relief
Report on New Americans in San José and Santa Clara County
Highlights Economic Contributions of Immigrants
Partnership for a New American Economy (PNAE) has released a research brief that examines the economic and demographic contributions of immigrants in San José and Santa Clara County. The brief shows that Santa Clara County's 1.9 million immigrant residents--who account for roughly 38 percent of the area's population--positively impact the local economy through their high rates of workforce participation, large tax contributions, and spending power.
This report is released in conjunction with the announcement that San José is one of 20 communities selected in the
Gateways for Growth Challenge, an opportunity from PNAE and Welcoming America that invited communities across the United States to apply for support for the development and implementation of multi-sector strategic plans for welcoming and integrating new Americans.
Read More: Full Report,
Business Roundtable on Immigrant Integration
Welcoming San José Immigrant Integration Plan
The Office of Immigrant Affairs has made available a draft of the Welcoming San José (WSJ) Plan recommendations and strategies. City Administration presented the draft WSJ Plan to the Mayor and City Council on May 17th and has provided an opportunity to both the City Council and public to provide feedback. Many have helped create the recommendations and provided valuable input. Staff has examined the cost and feasibility of ideas and developed a plan that will direct collaborative efforts to improve the way we engage, inform, and serve our immigrant community.
We are currently working towards finalizing the recommendations and strategies. We welcome your comments and also invite you to submit brief statements about the draft to
by June 17th. The final WSJ Plan will be available in August 2016.
Read more: WSJ Plan Update
San José Hosts White House Regional Convening on New Americans
The City of San José recently hosted a White House Regional Convening on New American that brought together multiple sectors and levels of government to further strengthen welcoming and immigrant integration efforts in the greater San José area.
Read more: White House Regional Convening
Welcoming America: Gateways for Growth Challenge
The City of San José values its diversity and embraces immigrants and their contributions to our city. Now more than ever, it is critical that the City work with nonprofit partners, schools, the community, business sector, and other institutions to support immigrants who have chosen to call San José home. The OIA continues to be an active participant in national networks that strive to create more welcoming and inclusive communities, such as Welcoming America.
Read more: Gateways for Growth Challenge
San José Signs on in Texas v. United States in Defense of President Obama's Immigration Reform Efforts
“San José is proud of its rich immigrant heritage, and we wouldn’t be known as the Capital of Silicon Valley and a global center of innovation had it not been for the contributions of the hundreds of thousands of immigrants that call our city home,” said San José Mayor Sam Liccardo. “Our entire community benefits from the many meaningful contributions that immigrants make every day, which is why San José is proud to stand in solidarity with other cities voicing their support of common-sense immigration reforms that will keep families together and protect otherwise law-abiding citizens.”
Read more: C4A Amicus Brief Press Release
San José Joins Cities for Citizenship Aimed at Increasing Citizenship Among Eligible U.S. Permanent Residents
“Our evolution over the past 50 years, from an agricultural community to become the world’s leading center of technology innovation is attributed to the entrepreneurial spirit of the people of San Jose, who have come to reside here from all corners of the world and together have grown our economy and our cultural heritage,” said Mayor Sam Liccardo of San Jose, California. “The success of San Jose relies in good measure on facilitating citizenship for our immigrant population. By joining Cities for Citizenship we will be able to provide the assistance needed to ensure that San Jose’s immigrants can achieve their naturalization goals."
Read more: C4C Press Release
Office of Immigrant Affairs
The Mayor and City Council approved the establishment of the Office of Immigrant Affairs. The City Manager's Office have been working with key stakeholder since August 2015 to develop a three-year immigrant integration plan and will also continue its work with the Institute of Local Government to collaborate with regional local government officials.
Read more: OIA Update
Meeting presentations provided below:
Local Resources
Community-Based Organizations
Immigration Rights Groups & Education
Federal Government Resources