The Press Enterprise: Immigration Reform: Perris forum warns of fraud
A community forum Saturday in Perris will explain immigration-reform proposals in Congress and warn participants of fraudsters preying on immigrants’ hope of legalization.
This year is seen as the best chance in years for passage of an immigration-reform measure with a path to citizenship for people who entered the country illegally or overstayed their visas.
A representative from the office of Rep. Mark Takano, D-Riverside, will explain the main provisions of Senate immigration-reform legislation that is now being debated, said Luz Gallegos, community programs director for TODEC Legal Center, which is hosting the event.
Lawyers will tell participants how to organize documents that would be needed to prove eligibility if an immigration-reform proposal is enacted.
A representative from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will explain how some people may pose as lawyers who promise to assist immigrants obtain legalization – and take their money without helping them.
“We know people are misinformed and we don’t want people to be victims of fraud,” Gallegos said.
Many young undocumented immigrants are already eligible for deferred action, which gives them temporary protection from deportation. The forum will provide information on the program, along with application forms.
A state labor-department representative will explain rights that all workers – including undocumented immigrants – have in California.
Speakers at the event also will explain to people who are already legal permanent residents the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen, including the right to vote.
Representatives from the Mexican consulate in San Bernardino will also be at the forum, which is from 10 a.m. to noon at TODEC, 234 S. D St., Perris.