1 of 13

Immigrant Rights and Resources in San Francisco

Local protections, resources, �and programs for all immigrants

2 of 13

What We’ll Cover:

  1. About OCEIA and our work�
  2. Immigrant Rights and Protections in San Francisco�
  3. Local Resources for Immigrants

Meet your presenter:

Richard Sarabia, he/him/his

Newcomer and Immigrant Services Specialist, OCEIA

richard.sarabia1@sfgov.org

Welcome & Agenda

3 of 13

About OCEIA

The Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA) is a policy, compliance, direct services and grantmaking City department. �

OCEIA’s mission is to promote inclusive policies and foster immigrant assistance programs that lead to full civic, economic and linguistic integration.

4 of 13

Rights and support for immigrants in �San Francisco

OVERVIEW

5 of 13

Sanctuary City Overview

Ensure public safety, health and wellbeing of all residents

CITY & COUNTY OF REFUGE (Admin Code 12H)

  • Generally prohibits City employees from using City funds or resources to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the enforcement of Federal immigration law, unless such assistance is required by federal or state law.

DUE PROCESS FOR ALL (Admin Code 12I)

  • Limits when City law enforcement officers may give ICE advance notice of a person’s release from a local jail.
  • Also prohibits cooperation with ICE detainer requests or “ICE holds.”

6 of 13

Filing a Complaint with City

File a Sanctuary City Ordinance complaint

  • City employees aren't allowed to help enforce immigration law unless a federal or state law specifically requires them to help.
  • Report a Sanctuary City violation with the Human Rights Commission.

Report a City department for not providing translation or interpretation

  • File a Language Access Ordinance complaint if you could not get adequate language services in your language.
  • Complaints are investigated by the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA).

7 of 13

Local Resources for Immigrants

OVERVIEW

8 of 13

Digital Resources for Immigrants in SF

San Francisco Immigrant Support Hub

immigrants.sf.gov

The organizations listed can help immigrants find access to trusted immigration legal help.

  • Consultations are generally low-cost or free and the application cost may be covered for San Franciscans.

  • Filter by immigration type and language need

  • Rapid Response Hotline information available �
  • Full site is available to use in English, Spanish, Chinese and Filipino.

9 of 13

Digital Resources for Immigrants in SF

SF Immigrant Forum

sf.gov/immigrantsThe SF Immigrant Forum website provides �information on trusted, low-barrier resources available to immigrants, asylees, and refugees in San Francisco.

Resources include:

  • Immigration legal support
  • Health
  • Housing and shelter
  • Food
  • Know your rights
  • Financial and cash assistance
  • Identification
  • English language learning
  • Child care and family
  • Economic and workforce development
  • Transportation
  • Community coalitions
  • State and regional resources

and more!

10 of 13

San Francisco Immigrant Legal Defense Collaborative

About SFILDCSFILDC is a collaboration of 16 San Francisco-based legal service organizations that provide legal representation and support to adults, families, and children residing in San Francisco who are facing removal proceedings at the San Francisco Immigration Court or have been detained within its jurisdiction. SFILDC represents detained and non-detained individuals. �Learn more: sfildc.org

Attorney of the Day ProgramThe Attorney of the Day program (AOD) of the Justice & Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco offers FREE phone consultations for unrepresented immigrant community members in the immigration court. The AOD provides full legal consultation over the phone by an immigration attorney and advice about different forms of relief.

Phone Number: (408) 461-8795

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm; 3pm to 5pm

11 of 13

Regular Immigration Workshops in SF

Free Citizenship WorkshopsThe San Francisco Pathways to Citizenship Initiative hosts free, regular workshops that assist eligible immigrant green card holders with their naturalization application. �

Workshops occur in various locations across San Francisco every 2-4 months. Support is available in multiple languages, and help with the low-income fee waiver is also provided. For information on upcoming workshops, visit: sfcitizenship.org

Free Work Permit ClinicsRecently, OCEIA has hosted free Work Permit Application Clinics with support from community partners.

These clinics are support Asylum Seekers and Humanitarian Parolees apply for their Employment Authorization Document (EAD). For information on upcoming workshops, visit: sf.gov/oceia

12 of 13

Immigration Fee Assistance

Get a zero-interest loan to pay your USCIS application fee. If you live, work, or study in San Francisco, you can receive a 50% grant to cover half the cost.

  • Available for the following immigration petitions:
    • DACA
    • Citizenship
    • Green Card

  • Benefits of Loan Participation:
    • Build credit history
    • Online financial education
  • TPS
  • Family Petitions
  • Advance Parole

13 of 13

Stay connected with us:

Questions?

  • Email civic.engagement@sfgov.org
  • Call OCEIA at 415-554-0600

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @sf_immigrants �Facebook: @sfgov.oceia�X/Twitter: @OCEIA_SF

Bluesky: @oceiasf.bsky.social

Website: sf.gov/oceia