Immigration
Immigration laws, visas, and citizenship information
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FAQ AvailableWhat are the California-specific requirements to be eligible for the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)?
To be eligible for California's Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI), you must be an aged, blind, or disabled non-citizen who is ineligible for federal SSI benefits solely due to your immigra...
How do I add my foreign-born child to my Medi-Cal case in California?
You can add your foreign-born child to your Medi-Cal case by reporting them as a new household member to your county's social services agency. California provides full-scope Medi-Cal to all eligible c...
How can I file a wage theft claim with the California Labor Commissioner if my employer is withholding pay due to my immigration status?
California law protects all workers from wage theft, regardless of immigration status. You can file a wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner's Office to recover your unpaid wages. Here is ...
How do I apply for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) if I file my taxes with an ITIN?
You can apply for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) with your ITIN by filing a California state tax return and meeting all other eligibility rules. There is no separate application for...
What are the steps to take if the DMV wrongly denies my application for an AB 60 license?
If the DMV wrongly denies your AB 60 license application, you have the right to formally challenge the decision by requesting an administrative hearing. Here are the steps to take to contest the DMV'...
What are the procedures for an immigrant victim of human trafficking to access state-funded services and legal aid in California?
Immigrant victims of human trafficking can access state-funded services and legal aid by obtaining an eligibility letter from a designated social services agency or an endorsement from law enforcement...
What protections does the Immigrant Tenant Protection Act offer me if my landlord asks about my immigration status?
The California Immigrant Tenant Protection Act makes it illegal for a landlord to ask you about your immigration or citizenship status. If they do, you are protected from harassment and have legal opt...
How can an immigrant entrepreneur with an ITIN register a business in California?
Yes, you can register a business in California using your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The state filing process accepts an ITIN in place of a Social Security Number (SSN) for busi...
How do I find a state-certified interpreter for a legal or medical appointment in California?
To find a state-certified interpreter, you must use the official online directories managed by California's state agencies for legal and medical professions. Step 1: Identify the Type of Interpreter ...
What are the specific health services covered for undocumented children under California's Medi-Cal program?
Undocumented children in California who meet income requirements are eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal, which provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care. The benefits are the same as those...
How does California law protect me from being charged a higher rent or security deposit based on my immigration status?
California law strictly prohibits landlords from charging you a higher rent or security deposit based on your immigration or citizenship status. This practice is considered illegal housing discriminat...
What are the step-by-step procedures for enrolling in state-subsidized childcare in California as a low-income immigrant family?
To enroll in state-subsidized childcare, you must find your local child care agency, prove your family's eligibility based on income and your need for care, and submit an application with required doc...
What is the process for obtaining an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in California to comply with state tax laws?
To comply with California tax laws, you must obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as the state does not issue its own. You use th...
How can I report a violation if my employer in California is not following state E-Verify usage rules?
You can report your employer's violation of California's E-Verify rules by filing a discrimination and retaliation complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). Here are the steps to r...
What are the specific limitations on California law enforcement agencies sharing information with federal immigration authorities?
California law significantly restricts state and local law enforcement from sharing information with federal immigration authorities. These "sanctuary" laws are designed to separate local policing fro...
What are the requirements for an immigrant child to be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) findings in a California state court?
To be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) findings in California, a court must find that the unmarried child is under its jurisdiction, cannot be reunified with one or both parents d...
How does an immigrant without a Social Security Number file California state income taxes using an ITIN?
Yes, you can file California state income taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security Number (SSN). Here is how to complete the process: Step 1: Apply...
Who can I contact in California if I believe a business has discriminated against me based on my national origin or immigration status?
In California, you should contact the Civil Rights Department (CRD) to file a complaint if a business has discriminated against you based on your national origin or immigration status. The CRD, former...
How are my personal documents and information protected from federal immigration enforcement when I apply for an AB 60 license in California?
California law strictly limits how the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can share your personal information with federal agencies, including immigration enforcement. The law is designed to protect t...
How can a DACA recipient apply for a professional license, like nursing or cosmetology, in California?
In California, DACA recipients can apply for and obtain professional licenses by using their Social Security Number (SSN) on the application. State law ensures that immigration status alone is not a b...
What documents are required to prove my immigration status is satisfactory for employment in California?
To prove your immigration status is satisfactory for employment in California, you must present specific, unexpired documents to your employer to complete the federal Form I-9, Employment Eligibility ...
What steps should I take if a California landlord threatens to report me to ICE for requesting repairs?
A landlord cannot legally threaten to report you to ICE for requesting repairs in California. This action is a form of illegal retaliation and harassment, and you have legal protections regardless of ...
How do I request a U Visa or T Visa certification from a local California law enforcement agency after being a victim of a crime?
To request a U or T Visa certification, you must prepare the correct federal form and submit it directly to the California law enforcement agency that investigated the crime. California law requires a...
What is the process for an income-eligible undocumented adult over 50 to apply for full-scope Medi-Cal in California?
Income-eligible undocumented adults over 50 can apply for full-scope Medi-Cal through several methods, and your immigration status will not prevent you from qualifying if you meet the age, residency, ...
How do I obtain proof of my child's school attendance in California to support an immigration application?
To obtain proof of your child's school attendance for an immigration application, you must request an official attendance record or transcript directly from your child's school or school district. Thi...
Who is eligible for California's "Young Child Tax Credit" if filing with an ITIN?
Yes, California residents who file their state taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) are eligible for the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) if they meet all other qualifications....
What are the steps to renew an AB 60 driver's license in California?
Renewing your AB 60 driver's license involves submitting a renewal application and providing current proof of your identity and California residency to the DMV. The process is very similar to your ini...
How do I contest a traffic ticket in a California court if I have an AB 60 license?
You can contest a traffic ticket with an AB 60 license using the same process as any other California driver. Your license type does not change your rights or the procedure in traffic court. Here is ...
How does an asylum seeker apply for state benefits like Medi-Cal or CalFresh while their case is pending?
Asylum seekers with a pending case can apply for state-funded benefits like Medi-Cal and the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) by providing proof of their pending asylum status to their local ...
What are the rights of an immigrant student in California's K-12 system if they are questioned about their or their family's immigration status?
Under California law, students are protected from being questioned about their or their family's immigration status by school officials. Here is what to do if this happens: Step 1: Remain Silent and ...
How do I file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department if I was denied housing because of my immigration status?
You can file a housing discrimination complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) online, by mail, or over the phone. Here are the steps to take if you were denied housing because of y...
Where can I find multilingual resources provided by the State of California regarding my rights as an immigrant?
The State of California provides many multilingual resources for immigrants, primarily through its official websites like the California Immigrant Guide and the Department of Social Services. These po...
What are my rights to paid sick leave in California, and does my immigration status affect my eligibility?
In California, you have the right to paid sick leave regardless of your immigration status. State labor laws protect all workers, and your employer cannot deny you this right based on where you were b...
How do I access state-funded domestic violence shelters and services in California regardless of my immigration status?
In California, you can access state-funded domestic violence shelters and services regardless of your immigration status. State law protects your right to seek and receive these services confidentiall...
How can an immigrant parent establish parental rights or custody in a California family court?
An immigrant parent can establish parental rights and custody in California, as immigration status does not determine a parent's rights to their child. The court's primary focus is the child's best in...
What steps should I take to get my foreign academic credentials evaluated for use in California professional licensing or employment?
To use your foreign academic credentials in California, you must obtain a formal evaluation from an independent, recognized credential evaluation service. The specific type of evaluation and the appro...
How can I verify if an immigration consultant is properly bonded and registered with the California Secretary of State?
You can verify an immigration consultant's bond status online using the California Secretary of State's official search tool or by submitting a written request. This process confirms if they have met ...
What are the steps to access state-funded food assistance (CalFresh) in California if I am a qualified immigrant?
As a qualified immigrant in California, you can access state-funded food assistance by applying through your county's social services agency. The state program, called the California Food Assistance P...
What is the process for an immigrant with an ITIN to apply for a professional license from a California state board?
Under California law, an immigrant can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in place of a Social Security Number (SSN) to apply for a professional license. Here is the general proce...
How do I file a complaint against an immigration consultant for fraud with the California Attorney General's Office?
You can file a complaint against an immigration consultant for fraud by submitting a Consumer Complaint Form and supporting evidence to the California Attorney General's Office. The process can be com...
What are my rights under the California Values Act (SB 54) if I am stopped by local police?
The California Values Act (SB 54) limits how local police can cooperate with federal immigration authorities. This means police generally cannot ask you about your immigration status or hold you for i...
Where can I find state-funded legal assistance in California for my immigration case?
You can find state-funded immigration legal assistance by contacting non-profit organizations that receive funding through the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and other state legal aid...
How does an undocumented young adult aged 19-25 apply for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage in California?
Undocumented young adults aged 19 through 25 can receive full-scope Medi-Cal in California if they meet income and residency requirements. This eligibility is based on a state-funded expansion program...
How do I enroll an undocumented child in a California public school, and what documents can the school legally ask for?
All children in California have a legal right to a free public education, regardless of their or their parents' immigration status. Schools cannot deny a child enrollment based on their citizenship or...
What steps can I take if my employer in California retaliates against me for asserting my workplace rights?
If your California employer retaliates against you for asserting your rights, you can file a formal complaint with the state's Labor Commissioner's Office. California law specifically protects all wor...
What is the process for applying for state financial aid using the California Dream Act Application (CADAA)?
The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is the form that certain non-resident students, including undocumented students, must use to apply for state financial aid. The process requires you to com...
How can an immigrant student prove they meet the requirements for in-state tuition at California public colleges under AB 540?
To prove you meet AB 540 requirements for in-state tuition, you must submit an affidavit to your college certifying you meet specific attendance and graduation criteria. The process involves verifying...
What specific identity documents are accepted by the California DMV for an AB 60 license application?
The California DMV accepts specific foreign identity documents or can verify your identity through a secondary review process for an AB 60 license. You must prove both your identity and your Californi...
How do I prove my California residency to the DMV when applying for an AB 60 driver's license?
To prove your California residency for an AB 60 license, you must provide the DMV with original documents that show your name and current California address from an official, approved list. Here is h...
What are the step-by-step requirements for an undocumented immigrant to obtain a driver's license under California's AB 60 law?
Under California's AB 60 law, you can obtain a driver's license regardless of your immigration status by providing the DMV with proof of your identity and California residency. Here are the steps to f...
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations may change, and individual circumstances may vary. For specific legal issues, please consult with a qualified attorney licensed in California.