CORONA VIRUS / COVID-19 ADVISORY

Due to the health risks posed by the Corona Virus tragedy, our office is following the directives of the governor of California in order to minimize the risks to our staff, our clients and our community. Our office will continue to operate fully, as it has thus far, observing our normal schedule, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We will continue to schedule appointments to meet with clients and will do this via ZOOM or Telephone only.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with any of our lawyers or staff members, please do so by calling our office at 619-291-1112. You can also contact us via e-mail at [email protected]janbejar.com

Thank you for your understanding.

AVISO DE CORONA VIRUS / COVID-19

Debido a los riesgos para la salud planteados por la tragedia del Virus Corona, nuestra oficina está siguiendo las directivas del gobernador de California para minimizar los riesgos para nuestro personal, nuestros clientes y nuestra comunidad. Nuestra oficina seguirá funcionando a pleno, como lo ha hecho hasta ahora, cumpliendo con nuestro horario habitual, de lunes a viernes de 8:30 a.m. a 5:30 p.m. Continuaremos programando citas para reunirnos con los clientes y lo haremos solo a través de ZOOM o por teléfono.

Si desea programar una cita con alguno de nuestros abogados o miembros del personal, hágalo llamando a nuestra oficina al 619-291-1112. También puede contactarnos por correo electrónico a [email protected]

Gracias por su comprensión.

Resolving Immigration ProblemsIn An Honest & Responsible Manner

California laws protecting immigrants upheld in District court

Given its proximity to the southern border and the importance of agriculture to the state of California, it is no surprise to most people that the state’s laws are more lenient than others when it comes to immigration. After all, much of California’s economy depends on the work provided by immigrants, whether they are migrant farm workers or visa-holding skilled workers.

Recently, amid the furor around international immigration and so-called illegal immigration, Federal law and California law on immigration seem to clash. Thankfully, a district judge has recently upheld California’s two critical state laws on immigration, despite the conflict with federal standards.

This ruling offers a bright point of hope for those struggling to correct their legal status as immigrants in the United States, specifically in California.

California Sanctuary laws seem to conflict with federal immigration policy

The federal government has attempted to undermine California’s immigration policy by claiming that federal policies trump state rights on this critical issue. Specifically, federal policymakers are skeptical of the state’s sanctuary laws that offer some protections for immigrants without proper legal paperwork.

There are three such laws in California that the U.S. government sought to challenge based on federal policy. U.S. District Judge John Mendez ruled in support of two of these three laws while allowing the government to pursue legal action on the third.

The law that the judge specifically allowed the federal government to continue to attempt to block relates to employment. This law allows employers to deny entry to immigration officials into the business property without proper warrants. At this time, the federal government can continue to push on this particular issue.

Thankfully, the two other laws that the federal government takes issue with are being upheld. The judge chose to dismiss the government’s claim on these two laws. One of the laws limits demands for police cooperation with federal immigration officers.

The other law requires careful inspection of immigration detention facilities. The Trump Administration filed a lawsuit in March contesting the need to inspect these facilities, but Judge Mendez upheld California’s rights to protect its residents, regardless of status.

Immigration has become more complex in recent months

With increasingly strict rhetoric from the executive branch of the federal government and support from some lawmakers, immigration reform and crackdowns have sent tremors throughout the United States. There have been protests from coast to coast about policies that split children away from their parents.

States like California continue to welcome immigrants, even those whose legal status is not verified. The federal government hopes to undermine policies that show lenience toward immigrants who do not have all of the proper paperwork in place. For those seeking asylum or protected status as immigrants, it is important to stay informed about changes in federal policy as well as state law.

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For our clients’ convenience we offer English and Spanish speaking services.