Nearly half a million undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles County may get help applying for deferred action as the county voted last week to establish a task force to aid in the implementation of a federal policy deferring deportation.
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Supervisors Hilda Solis and Sheila Keul that would help eligible immigrants apply for enrollment in two programs established by President Obama’s Executive Order. The programs, Expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) would expand legal opportunities for work, and allow families to remain together in the United States.
Newly elected Solis replaces Gloria Molina and represents the First District, which includes Downtown L.A., East L.A., South Central, and Boyle Heights, among other cities. The First district reportedly has 166,000 eligible immigrants, the largest in the County.
The plan for the “County Deferred Action Task Force” would direct county departments like public libraries, Parks and Recreation and the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, to aid immigrants with information they need to apply for relief.
In a released statement, Supervisor Solis said the idea to create a task force was developed so that “residents who lead productive lives can continue to do so without fearing deportation, and be able to more to enrich our communities.”
The President’s plan would offer temporary deportation protection to an estimated 5 million undocumented immigrants. Last month, a Texas judge temporarily halted expansion of the program. Republicans in Congress are trying to block the expansion by refusing funding.
After the County Supervisors’ vote, Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-34) issued a statement supporting the task force, saying he’s confident the President will prevail in the courts and move forward to help the broken immigrations system.
“I wholeheartedly support Supervisor Solis and Supervisor Kuehl in their efforts to partner with the federal government and prepare thousands of hard-working families and individuals in Los Angeles County for these vitally important programs,” said Congressman Becerra.
Research released last week by the director of the UCLA North American Integration and Development Center, found that in L.A. County, full enrollment in both DACA and DAPA could generate $1.6 billion in increased wages for workers, create an additional 38,500 jobs, and increase tax revenues by $1.13 billion.
