The future of President Barack Obama's executive order on immigration reform is on hold after a federal judge decided to halt the program. The pending appeal by the United States Justice Department is leaving undocumented immigrants in the Bay Area and across the country confused about what is next.
In Santa Clara County, the District Attorney's Office is heading to community centers to help clear the confusion and set the record straight about the status of immigration reform. Officials said they are finding lots of misinformation that could be used to take advantage of people who want legal status.
"I want to know is it gonna pass or not, or we fill it out or wait -- confusing," said Maria Gutierrez, who lives in San Jose.
That confusion may be why there were many empty seats at a community meeting Wednesday night in San Jose.
The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office said many believe the opportunity to legally obtain a social security number is off the table.
"Now with injunction there is a rumor or belief that everything has been suspended, or revoked the law over no point in applying," Santa Clara Deputy District Attorney Josue Fuentes said.
Fuentes said Bay Area immigrants in the past crowded community meetings and were eager to learn the right way to apply for legal status. He said he is concerned scam artists now have a new angle.
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"So this is an opportunity where a scammer could say, "Hey, I know a guy. If you pay me extra I'll get you an app and we'll get it in early,' which just isn't true," Fuentes said.
