Sacramento, CA – Though the federal deadline for Dreamers to renew their DACA benefits was yesterday, California has stepped up to provide an alternative to the destructive federal immigration policies that are tearing families apart. In the final week of the legislative session, the Legislature advanced desperately needed resources to the 200,000 Dreamers who call California home.

Senator Mike McGuire was one of several state legislators who were pushing for $30 million in funding to support immigration services, including legal services and support for recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. The Legislature approved the funding two weeks ago.

“The young people who are at the heart of President Trump’s decision to end the DACA program have done nothing wrong. In many cases, America is the only home they have ever known and it is the country that they love. Dreamers are serving in our military and volunteering in our communities, they are small business owners and make California one of the most successful states in America,” Senator Mike McGuire said. “Diversity is who we are in California. It’s what makes this state strong and our economy thrive. That is why California will stand with the 200,000 young people who are Dreamers in the Golden State and defend their rights from the halls of our capitol to the streets of our communities and in the court of law.” 

While many of California’s representatives in Congress continue to valiantly fight the administration for the future of the federal DACA program, the state of California will provide $30 million in assistance to Dreamers. The financial support for DACA recipients will come from $20 million in additional funding for immigration legal services under the One California program. This new funding will be specifically targeted to assist DACA recipients.

An additional $10 million in financial aid for Dreamers will be broken down as follows:

•         $7 million for California Community College Students;

•         $2 million for California State University students via the Dream Loan Program;

•         $1 million for University of California students via the Dream Loan Program.

California is providing funding to organizations that specialize in immigration and DACA legal and support services. For more information about how to get assistance in your area, go to http://immigrantguide.ca.gov/en/daca/

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