California Community Colleges are now offering free immigration legal services to undocumented students.
In a press conference hosted by Ethnic Media Services on October 24, officials from the California Community Colleges announced their commitment to providing legal services to students facing legal challenges that affect their ability to remain in school and complete their education.
Specifically, undocumented students can receive assistance with DACA extensions and other related programs, as well as family-based immigration applications.
According to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, over 10,000 undocumented students are currently enrolled across its 122 campuses.
To address this, community colleges are assisting DACA students with the renewal of their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).
“Undocumented students need legal help with employment but often don’t seek it out for fear of revealing their legal status,” stated Kelly Fletes, Dean of Student Services at Monterey Peninsula College. “Community college legal counseling programs are aiding students in avoiding employment discrimination and more.”
In 2019, the state mandated community college campuses to establish and maintain legal counseling centers, allocating $10 million for their implementation and management. The pandemic, however, postponed this initiative, but since last year, 65 campuses have become fully operational, providing assistance to about 6,000 students.
BY NICOLE CHANG, JUNHAN PARK [chang.nicole@koreadaily.com]
