Immigration
Alameda County is one of the most diverse regions in the Bay Area and the fourth most diverse county in the United States. Out of a population of over 1.6 million, more than 526,000 residents or nearly one in three are immigrants. * This includes naturalized U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, temporary migrants, humanitarian migrants, and other foreign-born individuals who contribute to the cultural, social, and economic vitality of our communities.
Immigrants play an essential role in the local, state, and national economy as workers, entrepreneurs, taxpayers, homeowners, and consumers. Their contributions are fundamental to the county’s growth and prosperity.
However, the current political climate has heightened concerns over immigration enforcement, family separation, and deportation, creating significant fear and uncertainty. These challenges affect both documented and undocumented immigrants, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and serious health consequences. Access to healthcare is especially critical, and it is important for immigrants to know that many healthcare services remain available regardless of immigration status.
California and Alameda County safety-net services and programs continue to welcome all. These programs are not considered under the current Public Charge Rule:
ACPHD programs: CA Children’s Services, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Immunizations. Most ACPHD programs serve those with Medi-Cal and remain accessible.
Health Care: Medi-Cal, Covered California (including for DACA recipients), CHIP, COVID Vaccines, Tests, and Treatment, Short-Term Rehabilitative Care, Home and Community Based Services, gender-affirming care, HIV care, reproductive care.
Food Assistance: CalFresh, WIC, SNAP, School Meals, Food pantries, soup kitchens
Housing Assistance: Section 8 Rental Assistance, Public Housing, Homeless Shelters
Employment Assistance: Unemployment, Disability, Worker’s Compensation, WIOA Job Centers, Federal & State Retirement, EITC or Child Tax Credit,
Other: Childcare, student loans, emergency and disaster relief, Head Start, Season of Sharing (SOS), Pandemic Relief, Veterans’ Assistance, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Affordable Connectivity Program
This website is designed to provide information, legal resources, and community support to help all Alameda County residents navigate these challenges. Here, you will find resources to use and share in your workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities to ensure that everyone has access to the support and services they need.
Know Your Rights:
Everyone, regardless of immigration status, has certain rights under the U.S. Constitution. Knowing these rights can help you protect yourself and your family.
For more information on local Know Your Rights Information visit: https://www.acilep.org/ and for additional resources and links explore the information below:
Know Your Rights as an Immigrant:
https://www.nilc.org/resources/everyone-has-certain-basic-rights/
Know your Rights Red Cards:
• Ordering red card: Red Cards | Immigrant LegalResource Center | ILRC
• Printing your own red card: https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards
Report Hate Crime:
https://eastbaysanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023_STH-brochure_espanol.pdf
Family Preparation Plan:
Know Your Rights if Encounter With ICE:
https://www.nilc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2025.01.29-Rights-No-Matter-Who-Is-Pres_FINAL.pdf
Know Your Rights If You Are an Immigrant Defendant in a Criminal Case:
https://publicdefender.acgov.org/Immigration.page?
Guardianship FAQ:
Rapid Response and Immigration Legal Services
ACILEP Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership https://www.centrolegal.org/acilep/
DACA FAQ
Latest DACA Developments - National Immigration Law Center
Legal Assistance Organizations:
Your Rights Matter—Get Legal Support Today
Understanding immigration laws can be challenging, you don’t have to face it alone, reliable legal assistance is available. Our resources may connect you with trusted professionals who can guide you to explore your options and take the next steps. Legal challenges shouldn’t be faced alone.