Santa Clara Co. is moving ahead with its efforts to take a lead role in helping undocumented workers and immigrant families. Robert Handa reports.
Santa Clara County is moving ahead with its efforts to take a lead role in helping undocumented workers and immigrant families.
The county's Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved plans for a new immigration office -- a big step to encourage immigrants to come out of the shadows and make it easier to find help when they do come forward.
In addition, supervisors in a separate action passed a plan that provides $1.8 million for non profits to reach out and educate immigrants on the citizenship and work permit process.
"The county is now stepping forward -- really big step," said Richard Konda of the Asian Law Alliance.
While the board received a lot of vocal public support for the decisions, some people were concerned about the cost to the county and how President Barack Obama's stalled executive order might impact progress.
But support groups said Tuesday's moves were necessary.
"Thousands of people who are going to qualify to provide them the quality services they need," said Vanessa Sandoval, SIREN Legal Services director.
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County officials said the new immigration office is expected to be set at the county government center in about two weeks.
