Supervisors Adopt Resolution in Support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program

The Board of Supervisors have adopted a resolution to affirm the County’s commitment to protect and support Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA) recipients and all immigrant community members in Sonoma County. This action seeks to relieve fear and anxiety of local residents resulting from the memorandum issued by the Department of Homeland Security on September 5, 2017, to rescind the DACA Program. Additionally, the Board recommended to aid local recipients with the $495 renewal fee.

“Our local undocumented residents are under assault by the federal government,” said Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Shirlee Zane. “Rescinding DACA threatens the health and safety of the 6,000 DACA - eligible individuals in Sonoma County, 4,000 of whom are K-12 students. Despite these changes, we want you to know we are here to protect our immigrant community, provide families with essential services and support, and are urging our federal representatives to develop and pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation.”

Information specific to the DACA decision and renewal assistance has been added to the County’s website at: Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals

This action adds to the many efforts the Board of Supervisors have taken this year to support Sonoma County’s immigrant community.  In February, the Board created the Sonoma County Immigration Initiative, including the establishment of the Secure Families Fund and the Unaccompanied Child Deportation Defense Program, which provide much-needed immigration legal services. The Board additionally adopted the 2017-18 State and Federal Legislative Platform in January, which authorized legislative advocacy efforts, including the County’s support of efforts to enhance legal protections for undocumented immigrants and to increase funding to support this community.

The Board of Supervisors is currently hosting Immigration Policy and Services Community Meetings in each District throughout the County to bring attention to this issue, help inform residents of their rights and available services, provide a forum for service providers, and receive input and feedback from the community. The community is encouraged to attend one of the remaining meetings:

Saturday, September 23, 1-4:30pm
Cook Middle School
2400 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa.
DACA Renewal Legal Services Clinic only, co-hosted by
the County and the Sonoma County Office of Education

Thursday, September 28, 6-7:30pm
Kawana Springs Elementary
2121 Moraga Drive, Santa Rosa.
Hosted by Supervisor Shirlee Zane

Thursday, October 12, 6-7:30pm
Geyserville Elementary School
21485 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville.
Hosted by Supervisor James Gore

More information about the Sonoma County Immigration Initiative, including a community calendar of immigration related events, can be found here: Immigration Initiative.

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