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Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County (LASSMC) I Blog: Point of View

Dec 19, 2023

MacKenzie Scott dedicates $1 million to Legal Aid SMC

Dec 19, 2023

Legal Aid SMC has received a $1 million grant from writer and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The gift comes from Yield Giving, a philanthropic organization founded by Ms. Scott which has invested $16 billion in grants to nearly two thousand nonprofit teams since 2019.

Dec 19, 2023

Nov 15, 2023

2023 Impact Report

Nov 15, 2023

On this National Philanthropy Day, we're grateful for all the people who come together to make 'Justice for All' a reality. Click below to find out how your support increases access to important legal services for low-income communities across San Mateo County.

Nov 15, 2023

Nov 13, 2023

Pro Bono Publico Fall 2023

Nov 13, 2023

Don’t forget to check out the latest issue of Pro Bono Publico, our pro bono newsletter, with some words from attorneys who volunteer with Legal Aid SMC to fight for the rights of our low-income neighbors!

Nov 13, 2023

News & Updates

Health Update

Medi-Cal Update

Updated July 8, 2022—Asset Limits for Medi-Cal: Good news! Effective January 1, 2024, there is no longer a Medi-Cal asset limit. If you were denied coverage in Medi-Cal because of your assets, these changes mean that you may now be eligible.

Actualizado 8 de julio 2022—Límites de activos para Medi-Cal: ¡Buenas noticias! A partir del 1 de enero de 2024, ya no hay un límite de bienes para Medi-Cal. Si se le negó la cobertura en Medi-Cal debido a sus activos, estos cambios significan que ahora puede ser elegible.

Immigration Status: Starting January 1, 2024, all California residents can apply for full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status.

Estado de inmigración: A partir del 1 de enero de 2024, todos los residentes de California podrán solicitar el Medi-Cal completo independientemente de su situación migratoria.

Housing Update

Tenant Protection Act

As of January 1, 2020, there are new protections for California tenants. Learn more about the Tenant Protection Act.

English

Spanish

Housing Resources

Public Charge Update

Check out the Keep Your Benefits website for information about Public Charge and immigration. Information is available in English, Spanish and Chinese. www.keepyourbenefits.org

English website

Spanish Website

Chinese website

December 27, 2022 Update:
The new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS/Immigration) public charge regulations are in effect as of December 23, 2022. The regulations confirm that health care, food assistance and housing programs are not counted in a public charge test. The public charge test mainly affects immigrants who are applying for a green card through a family-based petition. The public charge test does not count benefits for family members, including dependents.

Actualización del 27 de diciembre de 2022:
Las nuevas regulaciones de carga pública de los Servicios de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de EE. UU. Las regulaciones confirman que los programas de atención médica, asistencia alimentaria y vivienda no se cuentan en una prueba de carga pública. La prueba de carga pública afecta principalmente a los inmigrantes que solicitan una tarjeta verde a través de una petición basada en la familia. La prueba de carga pública no cuenta los beneficios para los miembros de la familia, incluidos los dependientes.

All Public Charge & LIBRE Updates

DACA and MAPA Updates

On July 16 2021, a Texas federal judge ordered immigration to stop approving new first-time DACA applications. IMPORTANT: The judge’s order does not affect people who already have DACA or stop immigration from approving DACA renewals. Current DACA cards remain valid and people who already have DACA can continue to submit renewal applications. We encourage anyone who is eligible to renew their DACA to do so.

El 16 de julio de 2021, un juez federal de Texas ordenó a inmigración que dejara de aprobar nuevas solicitudes de DACA por primera vez. IMPORTANTE: La orden del juez no afecta a las personas que ya tienen DACA ni impide que inmigración apruebe las renovaciones de DACA. Las tarjetas DACA actuales siguen siendo válidas y las personas que ya tienen DACA pueden continuar presentando solicitudes de renovación. Recomendamos que aquellos que son elegibles para renovar su DACA lo hagan.

Crowd waving black flag that says DACA over USA flag

All Updates and changes to DACA

DACA Information - English

DACA Information - Spanish

MAPA DownloaD (ESP)

Mapa Download (EN)

How can you protect your family and yourself from ICE? MAPA

Here are 4 easy steps for you to act on NOW. Download MAPA for easy access!

In case of ICE contact or sightings, call the Rapid Response hotline at 1-203-666-4472.
Know your rights. Keep the red card handy at all times.
Have a plan for you and your family in case someone is detained.
Contact an immigration attorney about your legal options before speaking or signing anything.