FA R M L A B O R I N F O R M AT I O N B U L L E T I N
Voice of the Fields California
April 2017
FREE
Sanctuary Cities Explained
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anctuary cities have been in the news and you might be wondering exactly what is a sanctuary city?
There is no official legal definition of a sanctuary city and the policies and practices vary significantly depending on the location. According to KQED, “Generally speaking, local law enforcement in sanctuary cities or counties don’t ask or report the immigration status of people they come into contact with.” A sanctuary jurisdiction typically refuses requests from federal immigration authorities to detain undocumented immigrants apprehended for low-level offenses. For example, when someone has been arrested for driving under the influence and then identified as an undocumented immigrant at a jail in a sanctuary city, they are punished for the violation, but then, they are let go. In other cities, federal immigration authorities would want to be alerted and ask local law enforcement to detain the person in order to then deport them. In a city or county with a sanctuary policy, local officials would generally refuse that request. California has state laws that make it difficult for jails to turn over undocumented immigrants to federal officials and are in the process of considering legislation to prevent the use of local resources to pursue immigration violations. (See SB 54 in “Legislative Update”). Because there is no official legal definition of a Sanctuary jurisdiction, it is difficult to determine where they are and how many jurisdictions exist. Some have issued public declarations. Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles are examples of sanctuary cities. More than 45 counties in California are considered to have sanctuary policies. Many more churches and universities also consider themselves sanctuary refuges, however, there is no official legislation that prevents Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from entering these locations and the “safe harbor” is dependent on the prosecutorial discretion of legal and law enforcement authorities. (Sources: The Washington Post; KQED News)
Volume 27, Number 4
Get Your EITC Cash Back Refund This Tax Season and Get It For FREE!
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here may still be time to get cash back this tax season! The deadline for filing your taxes is April 18, 2017. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) makes hundreds of millions of dollars, money that you have earned and that you can claim this tax season, available to working Californians. If you made $54,000 or less in 2016, you could be eligible for up to a $6,000 refund. Visit www.CalEITC4me.org or text MONEY to (760) 970-8396 to find out if you are eligible and how much money you can get back! And if you are eligible, don’t forget to file your taxes! You can’t get the money if you don’t file your taxes. You can file your taxes for FREE at a tax preparation site in your neighborhood. The Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax preparation for individuals who qualify for the EITC. Visit www.CalEITC4me.org/ get-it/ and enter your zip code or address to find the VITA center nearest to you.
Legislative Update
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any farmworkers are experiencing anxiety as the result of changes in federal immigration policy. In California, the state legislature has introduced a number of bills that they believe will protect immigrants and focus resources on protecting our communities. SB 54 SB 6 The Due Process for All Act The California Values Act (De León) This Senate bill would attempt to head off a plan by the federal government to enlist state and local police as immigration enforcement agents. The bill, called “the California Values Act,” will prevent state, local, and school police from using their resources to investigate, detain, or arrest individuals for immigration violations. State and local police will continue to comply with judicial warrants to transfer dangerous offenders into federal custody for immigration enforcement purposes. California Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León, the author of the bill, said “When local police are deputized to enforce immigration laws our communities become more—not less—dangerous. Our limited law enforcement resources are squandered when police officers are pulled from their duties to arrest otherwise law-abiding maids, students, busboys, and day laborers for immigration violations.” De León added: “Mass deportations will not make us safer, instead they will simply undermine our state’s economy.”
(Hueso) This Senate bill, by state Senator Ben Hueso, would ensure those facing deportation have due process and adequate legal representation. It would create a state program to fund legal representation for those facing deportation.
AB 3 Immigration Law Training for Defense Attorneys
(Bonta) This Assembly bill by Assemblymember Rob Bonta would create statefunded regional centers to train defense attorneys and public defender’s offices on immigration law and the consequences of criminal convictions.
AB 291 The Immigrant Tenant Protection Act of 2017
(Gonzalez) This bill, jointly authored by Assemblymembers Lorena Gonzalez, David Chiu and Rob Bonta, would bar landlords from disclosing information related to tenants’ immigration status. The bill would also prohibit landlords from threatening to report tenants to immigration authorities, whether in retaliation for engaging in legally-protected activities or to influence them to vacate.
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DACA/DAPA - DREAMers Update
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s of the publication of this newsletter, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is still in effect. However, some immigrants rights organizations caution that applying for the first time may be risky, given the uncertainty at the federal level. You should consult with a qualified legal services provider before applying for the first time or before renewing your application. With that warning, as of now the DACA program is in effect until the President of the United States acts to end it. DREAMers can still apply for temporary work permits, Social Security numbers and protection from deportation! To get more information on applying and to find out everything you need to know about the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” program (commonly know as DACA), visit www.Immi.org or www.IAmerica.org.
At the federal level, California members of Congress have been vocal in protecting the rights of immigrants with their own pieces of legislation:
H.R. 858 Dreamers Immigration and Legal Refugee Act
(Correa) This resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives, authored by Congressman Lou Correa, calls on the US Attorney General to provide funding for nonprofit legal services that offer legal assistance to DACA recipients.
College and Other Educational Information for Farmworkers College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)
CAMP assists students who are migratory/seasonal farmworkers or are children of migrant/seasonal farmworkers, to successfully complete the first undergraduate year of study in a college or university by providing them with financial assistance, counceling, health services, and housing assistance, to name a few. The program also provides follow-up services to help students after the first year of college. A student is eligible for CAMP if they meet one of the following criteria: n They or their immediate family members have engaged in migrant or seasonal farm work for at least 75 days within the last 24 months. n They have participated or been eligible to participate in the Title 1C Migrant Education Program. n The student has qualified for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, formerly the Workforce Investment Act 167 Program (WIA 167) or the JTPA 402 Program High School Equivalency Program (HEP).
The High School Equivalency Program (HEP) HEP helps migratory or seasonal farmworkers and their immediate family members who are 16 years of age or older and not currently enrolled in school to obtain the equivalent of a high school diploma and subsequently to gain employment or begin postsecond-
ary education or training. A student is eligible for HEP if they meet one of the following criteria: n They or their immediate family members have engaged in migrant or seasonal farm work for at least 75 days in the last 24 months. n They have participated or been eligible to participate in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, formerly the Workforce Investment Act 167 program (WIA 167) n The were eligible to participate Title C Migrant Education program within the last 24 months. AND n Is at least 16 years of age or over; n Is not currently enrolled in an elementary or secondary school; n Has not earned a secondary school diploma or its equivalency; To find a CAMP or HEP program near you, visit http://www.hepcampassociation.org/find-a-program.html
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) EOP is designed to improve access and retention of historically low-income and educationally disadvantaged students. EOP students have the potential and demonstrated motivation to perform satisfactorily at a California State University (CSU), but they have not been able to realize their potential because of their economic or educational background. The program
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provides admission and academic assistance to EOP-eligible undergraduate students. In many cases, the program offers financial assistance to eligible students. Campuses tailor their programs to accommodate the needs of their student population. Each CSU campus has an EOP for low-income undergraduate students who are California residents or qualify for an AB540 (California DREAM Act) non-resident tuition exemption and are disadvantaged because of their economic and educational backgrounds. Students with a history of low income who need academic and financial assistance may apply for the program. EOP accepts students who do not meet regular admission criteria, as well as those who qualify for regular admission. Be sure to indicate on the undergraduate application for admission if you are applying through EOP and ensure you complete the supplemental EOP Application along with the two letters of recommendation by the deadline determined by the campus. For more information on the application process, visit: http://csumentor. edu/admissionapp/eop_apply.asp
California DREAM Act Financial Aid for College The deadline for applying for financial aid through the California DREAM Act has passed, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other options for financial aid. Some colleges, especially community colleges, accept the California DREAM Act application throughout the year. Check with the Financial Aid office of the college you are applying.
SCAM Alerts Immigration Scams
The immigration process can get complicated and it is important to get things right. Whether you are renewing a green card or applying for citizenship, sometimes you will need or want help filling out immigrations forms. It’s important to choose the right person to help you and avoid the fraudsters who might want to hurt you. Here are some tips the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has on avoiding common immigration scams. n Don’t go to a notary public (notarios) for legal advice. In the U.S., notarios are not lawyers: they can’t give you legal advice or talk to government agencies for you, like the USCIS or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). A notary public doesn’t have to be a lawyer either, and is not allowed to give you legal advice. n Never pay for blank government forms. Government forms are free, though you’ll probably have to pay when you submit them to USCIS. You can get free immigration forms at www.uscis.gov/forms, by calling USCIS at 1-800-870-3676, or by visiting your local USCIS office. n Get immigration information from U.S. government websites. Some scammers set up websites that look like they are run by the government, but they aren’t. Make sure that the website that looks like a government site is a dot gov (.gov), which means it is from the U.S. government. n Don’t let anyone keep your original
documents, like your birth certificate or passport. Scammers may keep them until you pay to get them back. n Never sign a form before it has been filled out, or a form that has false information in it. Never sign a document that you don’t understand. n Keep a copy of every form that you submit, as well as every letter from the government about your application or petition. n You will get a receipt from USCIS when you turn in your paperwork. Keep it! It proves that USCIS received your application or petition. You will need the receipt to check on the status of your application, so be sure you get a copy. Immigration scams are illegal. If you or someone you know has seen an immigration scam or been the victim of one, it’s important to report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint (or call 1-877-3824357) or the office of the California Attorney General Xavier Becerra https://oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-orcompany (or call 1-888-587-0557). You can also find more information by visiting the Attorney General’s Office of Immigration Assistance and reading their publications in various languages: https://oag.ca.gov/immigrant/publications
Other Scams:
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has offered their assistance to help prevent fraud
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by providing information on a variety of other scams via their FraudWatch Network.
Health Care Scams As Congress and the new Trump Administration suggest they might repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, fraudsters are taking advantage of the confusion it’s creating. They may pose as insurance company representatives or someone from Medicare or another federal agency. They will be on the hunt for personal information and money. Don’t fall for bogus requests to verify patient information, promises of refunds, or requests for payment of future premiums.
Voice of the Fields California Circulation: 45,000 copies
www.LaCooperativa.org Published monthly by: La Cooperativa Campesina de California 1107 9th Street, Suite 420, Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone 916.388.2220 Fax 916.388.2425 This product was funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The opinions expressed in this product are exclusive of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner. Content produced by ALZA Strategies, a fullservice strategy firm that offers quality media relations, crisis communications, public affairs services, and expertise into the growing Latino market.
Online Shopping Scams If you buy products on websites like Amazon.com, you are not necessarily buying from Amazon.com. In fact, Amazon.com connects buyers to a wide array of third party sellers. While most of these sellers are legitimate, beware of scam artists lurking in the marketplace. It’s likely a fraud if a seller asks you to make your purchase in a way other than through the Amazon.com website. Amazon.com guarantees purchases made from third party sellers as long as the purchase is made via the Amazon. com website.
Utility Bill Scams A utility scam is reaching record levels in some parts of the country this season. Fraudsters call homeowners, claiming that their gas or electric account is delinquent and threaten to shut off the service if payment is not immediate. The scammers typically ask for payment
with a prepaid debit card. While more consumers are recognizing this as a scam, the callers can be very convincing. Your utility company will generally not call and threaten to shut off your service, and you’ll always receive written notification before your service is cut off.
Jury Duty Scams Don’t fall for the jury duty scam. This is when you get a call, supposedly from the courthouse, claiming you failed to show up for jury duty and you face a fine or immediate arrest. The fraudster will typically demand the victim pay by wire transfer or a prepaid card. These forms of payment should always raise alarm bells. If you have questions about jury duty, contact the court clerk in the county where your service was to take place. The court will never ask jurors for financial information, so never provide such information to someone claiming to be from the court.
Prescription Drug Scams As the price of prescription drugs continues to rise, you might find yourself searching online for more affordable medications. Beware of bogus companies that take your money and never send you the product, or worse, send you a product that could cause you harm. Also, be sure to read the fine print on prescription drug coupons you find online. You might discover your purchase won’t count toward your deductible, or that the coupon expires after a certain number of refills. BE A FRAUD FIGHTER! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Report scams to local law enforcement or you can contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at 1-877-9083360 or visit www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork for more information on fraud prevention.
Agricultural Jobs available to U.S. workers under H-2A contract You may apply for these jobs by phone or in person at your nearest Employment Development Department (EDD) field office CalJOBS Number
Job Title
15205172
Farmworkers Onion
15215392
Pay Rate
Contract Dates
Positions
City of Job
Employer’s County
America’s Job Centers of California (AJCC)
$12.57 Hr. 04/04/2017 06/01/2017
200
Holtville
Imperial
Calexico One-Stop Career Center (760) 768-7171
Farmworkers Lettuce
$12.57 Hr. 04/04/2017 11/11/2017
273
Monterey, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz y San Benito Counties
Monterey
Salinas AJCC (800) 870-4750”
15214855
Farmworkers Harvest Strawberry & Blueberry
$12.57 Hr. 04/01/2017 06/30/2017
87
Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Moorpark
Ventura
Oxanrd AJCC (805) 204-5700”
Various
Sheepherder
$1777.98 Mo.
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California and Western States
California and Western States
Selected AJCCs WSB Offices
On-going
The H-2A temporary agricultural program allows agricultural employers who anticipate a shortage of domestic workers to bring nonimmigrant foreign workers to the U.S. to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature. The H-2A employers must demonstrate that qualified U.S. workers are not available for the job and the employment of temporary foreign workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers similarly employed. Preference in hiring will be given to qualified U.S. workers before employers are allowed to bring in foreign workers under the program.
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La Cooperativa Member Spotlight
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a Cooperativa Campesina de California is a statewide association of agencies that help California’s farmworker population by implementing and administering farm worker service programs.
La Cooperativa’s five member agencies currently operate 80 service centers throughout California, but especially in rural agricultural counties where farm workers live and work. These centers range from one-stop centers to mobile service units to other service access sites. , These organizations serving 31 counties and an estimated 55,000 farm workers per year:
California Human Development Corporation Founded in 1967 as North Bay Human Development Services, California Human Development (CHD) has evolved into a major non-profit, providing bilingual programs in 13, mostly Northern California, counties to 15,000 individuals annually. CHD’s offerings include job training and placement assistance for rural laborers as well as tutoring, mentorship, and career advising for farmworker youth. CHD also provides affordable housing and energy services, criminal justice services, citizenship and immigration aid, and healthcare and disability services. Counties Served: Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Yolo, San Joaquin, Sacramento, Sutter, Yuba, Contra Costa, Butte, and Colusa. www.cahumandevelopment.org
Center for Employment Training The Center for Employment Training (CET) is a private non-profit offering open-entry employment training with a
proven track record of excellence over decades of partnering with the farmworker community. Through skill training and human development, CET has helped more than 200,000 individuals achieve success and self-sufficiency. They also offer referrals for childcare while parents are working, supportive services for food and health care, legal services, and immigration and citizenship guidance. Counties Served: Santa Clara, Sacramento, Monterrey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, Ventura, Los Angeles, San Diego, Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Joaquin. http://cetweb.org
Central Valley Opportunity Center The Central Valley Opportunity Center (CVOC) partners with government and private agencies to provide programs geared at breaking the cycle of poverty in Central California. CVOC operates numerous employment, educational, economic development and social service programs in central California. Since 1979, CVOC has aided over 100,000 customers, offering a comprehensive service package that includes vocational, remedial, and community education, English language instruction, housing assistance, health and childcare services, energy payment assistance, emergency supportive services, transportation, emergency food, and youth employment,
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and seasonal worker dislocation services. Counties Served: Stanislaus, Merced, Madera www.cvoc.org
Employers’ Training Resource The Employers’ Training Resource (ETR) is a department within the County of Kern that houses the Workforce Investment Boards for Kern, Inyo, and Mono County. ETR’s goals include training the workforce for the needs of the local economy and providing assistance to businesses in the hiring process. ETR offers many training and education services tailored specifically to farmworkers. Counties Served: Kern, Inyo, Mono www.etronline.com
Proteus, Inc. From its beginnings as an adult training center, Proteus, Inc. has evolved into a comprehensive service provider offering programs to low-income individuals and families. Proteus also administers approximately 50 different programs concurrently ranging from adult, youth, and dislocated worker programs, to programs related to energy conservation, emergency supportive services, foster family services, youth services, migrant child care, community youth centers, child development programs, prevention services, pesticide safety training, and career and technical education classes. Counties Served: Fresno, Kings, Kern, Tulare and Los Angeles www.proteusinc.org