New program will help undocumented students at IVC
IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA, KECY), Imperial Valley College is rolling out a new program this year with funds from Assembly Bill 1809.
The bill has allocated $10 million dollars for immigration services on community colleges and IVC is one of the few colleges to be approved for the program.
The program will offer free immigration services that officials say are much needed in our community.
The Jewish Family Services San Diego (JFS), is one of the non-profits chosen through the Higher Education Legal Services program to help students, staff, and faculty at community colleges.
“Almost everything that we do in house through JFS, we will provide to the campus community here," said Jairo Castaneda, attorney with JFS.
The services provided will vary on a case by case matter.
“An initial consultation, to DACA renewals, to family petitions, and hopefully to a naturalization stage. So we go through the spectrum of everything," said Castaneda.
About 8,000 students attend IV. It’s one of the highest enrollments the college has seen.
“90% of our students are Hispanic. Mostly Mexican natives. We may have students that are undocumented, that’s information we don't disclose, but we know it will be a positive service here for our campus," said Lennor Johnson, Student Services VP.
“Living in a majority Hispanic community and living close to the border, there's a lot of undocumented students we don't know of. To let someone know they are undocumented and to have someone there that will protect them will be a benefit," said Sebastian Martinez, IVC student.
Students and staff interested in these services can start by visiting JFS.org/hels
