California board approves over $2M to provide services to illegal immigrants
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors in Oakland has taken a significant step in supporting illegal immigrants and refugees in their community by allocating millions of dollars for services aimed at protecting them. The unanimous decision, made at Tuesday’s regular meeting, comes in response to President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
Chairwoman of the Alameda County Together for All Committee, Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas, expressed her commitment to ensuring that the allocated funds are used effectively to reach every person in the community who may be at risk. The board approved the use of $50,000 for the Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach to provide legal services and advocacy to marginalized immigrant communities. Additionally, up to $700,000 was allocated to Centro Legal de La Raza to establish a Rapid Response Hotline, Know Your Rights training sessions, legal services, and community volunteer network response coordination.
Trabajadores Unidos Workers United (TUWU) was also approved for up to $500,000 to provide resources and preparation to immigrant and refugee communities, including training, mutual aid, and neighborhood resources. The California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice received up to $1 million for legal services to fight for the liberation of immigrants in detention in California.
Supervisor David Haubert emphasized that the funding is a community effort and is made possible through a public/private partnership. This ensures that the financial burden is not solely on the county. Supervisor Fortunato Bas highlighted the diverse population of Alameda County, with one-third of residents being immigrants and half of children growing up in households with at least one immigrant parent. The policies of the federal administration have caused fear among residents, making it crucial to provide them with access to critical information, services, and legal support.
The unanimous vote of the Board of Supervisors demonstrates the county’s commitment to its immigrant and refugee communities. This decision follows a previous authorization of $1.3 million in February for the Alameda County Public Defender Office’s Immigration Unit, which provides deportation defense and legal services to illegal immigrants facing deportation.
Overall, the actions taken by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors reflect a dedication to supporting and protecting vulnerable populations in the community. By providing essential services and legal support, they are ensuring that all residents have access to the resources they need to thrive and feel safe in their home.
