Ahead of a Supreme Court ruling on immigration, California activists and officials are unveiling a new, centralized website with information and resources for undocumented immigrants.
The website was created in part by Ready California, a statewide effort working to ensure as many eligible immigrants benefit from Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA).
In advance of a Supreme Court hearing on President Obama’s executive action on immigration, involving both DACA and DAPA, local advocates and County officials rallied to unveil the website for San Diegan immigrants.
Members of the Alliance of San Diego, comprised of 30 different organizations dedicated to the Ready Now San Diego movement, said they want San Diegans to be prepared for whatever may happen and be aware of their resources.
The website, which users can translate into many languages, will include information about immigration assistance and programs currently available to them.
Daniel Alfaro, an immigrant integration manager, believes the Supreme Court’s ruling will be favorable, which he says explains the early push to get people the information on everything from health care to financial aid.
In San Diego County alone, there are 115,000 immigrants who are eligible for most of these programs, said Alfaro.
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“We're here to help them with providing them with legal services, connecting them to the right resources, and making sure they take advantage of the programs available to them," said Alfaro.
Itzel Guillen, 21, a junior at San Diego State University and attendee at the rally, came to San Diego as a 4-year-old with her mom and aunt who entered the country illegally.
"I dont think I noticed my undocumented status until I was in high school when the rest of my friends were able to get their driver’s license, they were able to travel," said Guillen.
Like tens of thousands of kids who grew up in San Diego in her same situation, President Obama's DACA program helped Itzel get financial aid, get her a license, and get a job.
“My life completely changed after that,” she said.
