Immigration in the Central Valley, An Overview of Local Efforts to Support Our Beloved Immigrant Community

By Olga Grosh Pratt,  

Attorney at Law, Pasifika Immigration Law Group, LLP  

After the events of the past year and the current situation in Minnesota, it is apparent that immigration is a political operation. There is law — then there is how and against whom the government wants to enforce it.    

The current mood in the Central Valley’s immigrant community is fear and uncertainty. Just yesterday, a single mother, who is a lawful permanent resident, green card holder, diagnosed with cancer, said she is scared to apply for medical assistance that she is legally entitled to — and pays for with her taxes — because she is afraid that she will be deported or denied citizenship. A few days ago, a son serving in the U.S. Army was disappointed that the Big Beautiful Bill now charges him a $1,000 additional fee for a “free” application to protect his mother from deportation while he lays his life on the line for the country. A “Dreamer” recently asked if there is any certainty that her professional licenses and certifications will be worth anything if Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) ends. Lawsuits against DACA have been pending since 2018. A Fresno friend relocated her family abroad a few months ago. She and her kids are American-born citizens, but she was overwhelmed with extreme anxiety about her children being detained or hurt by ICE because they don’t have white skin. Moreover, she didn’t feel that her American children were safe in America.  

It is often a struggle for immigrants with approved status to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license because the DMV training on acceptable documents is limited and outdated. Immigrant truckers are in limbo after a federal requirement that only U.S. citizens and green card holders can have commercial driver’s licenses. The state is working to find a solution for 170,000 drivers with valid DACA and other work permits. Immigrants also often struggle to open bank accounts, set up utility billing in their names, and other aspects of daily life that so many of us take for granted. These documents are often required as proof of continuous presence or community ties that so many immigration benefits require.  

But there is also an enormous amount of hope and resilience. Over 900,000 Central Valley immigrants rely on trusted community resources more than ever. The Central Valley Immigrant Integration Collaborative (CVIIC) brought together a partnership of the public, nonprofit, and private sectors to provide free legal, health, and social support. Nonprofit organizations, school districts, colleges, adult education providers, churches, community centers, and unions joined forces for Valley-wide services and support. Nonprofit caseworkers and volunteer attorneys log thousands of miles each year — covering Modesto to Bakersfield — to assist with free consultations, DACA renewals, and citizenship applications. Private attorneys volunteer their time and miles to help with more complex cases involving domestic violence, victims of crime and human trafficking, and removal defense.    

After over a decade of vital Know Your Rights presentations, the immigration community is now also provided Family Preparedness Plan assistance to prepare for the stark reality of detentions, deportations, and separation of parents from minor children. A Valley-wide Rapid Response Network immediately documents detentions, provides legal advice before transfer to detention centers, and tracks movement of detained immigrants. Organizations and attorneys come together to file habeas corpus lawsuits, ordering ICE to release immigrants, without criminal records, who are pursuing lawful immigration but are still detained without cause.  

Many of the partners also offer training and support to immigrant entrepreneurs, help with labor and tenant rights, restraining orders and child custody help for victims of domestic violence, physical and mental health information and services, English classes, and citizenship interview preparation classes. You can learn more about the impressive list of Valley nonprofits supporting local immigrants here.   

Immigrants in California are also supported by the state in many aspects. Children are offered in-state tuition and scholarship opportunities. Families qualify for state-funded medical benefits. Immigrants are also accorded employee rights, have access to litigation over wage theft, and can obtain non-REAL ID driver’s licenses to ensure compliance with state laws and prevent costly tickets. And children can attend schools, although not without a massive fight against Proposition 187, which passed in 1994 and denied undocumented immigrants access to public education, non-emergency health care, and other social services. 

To help support immigrant community members, check out the CVIIC directory of nonprofits and the services they provide for the Valley. Financial donations will substantially help fund services and/or you can contribute to pro-immigrant policies and litigation. Attorneys are needed to file habeas petitions. Frequent, no-cost training is provided online. Lastly, please stay informed and observe which public servants embody humanity and democracy, so you can make knowledgeable decisions that increase local inclusion.