PANORAMA CITY, CA — U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley) will join U.S. Rep. Luis Gutiérrez (D-Chicago) and the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council this Saturday to help immigrants and their families in the Valley learn if they are eligible for the changes in U.S. immigration policy created by President Obama.
While a lawsuit has temporarily suspended implementation of the executive actions announced by President Obama in November, both Reps. Cárdenas and Gutiérrez are confident that the courts will rule in favor of the President’s actions and want future applicants to use this time to prepare for their documents.
An expanded pool of immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children may qualify to apply for expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), while the larger program, for qualifying parents of U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents (DAPA), will begin accepting applications in May at the earliest.
The workshop will explain who is eligible, what documents are likely to be required, and provide “family defenders,” who will help facilitate the application process for undocumented workers who attend.
“Thanks to President Obama, millions of the people who work so hard as we rebuild this nation’s economy will have a chance to stay and continue to do exactly that,” said Cárdenas. “It is important that everyone who wants to stay here understands exactly what will be required of them. I am so pleased that my colleague, Luis Gutierrez, will be helping me with this timely and important task.”
Gutiérrez has been leading a national tour to educate immigrants and allies about what the President announced in November, how applicants can prepare, and how everyone else can help make the initiative a success. The San Fernando Valley is the latest tour stop on a calendar that has taken him from coast to coast.
WHO: U.S. Reps. Tony Cárdenas and Luis Gutiérrez
WHAT: Forum on Immigration Executive Action
WHEN: Saturday, March 21 at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Panorama High School, 8015 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys