Recently, there has been increasing efforts – largely backed by political leaders in Florida and Texas – around asylum seekers from border cities to other, largely Democratic-run, cities. In June, the state of Florida transported 36 asylum-seekers from the Texas border to Sacramento.

These asylum-seekers have fled their countries, and are seeking safety and security in the United States. Since their arrival in June, a number of these migrants have reunited with loved ones in other cities, but the majority remain in Sacramento.

Opening Doors, in partnership with NorCal Resist, is walking alongside these migrants as they navigate the next steps on their journey. Along with our community of volunteers, we are in the process of setting up 3 additional Welcome Houses for the migrants. These Welcome Houses will provide a safe and welcoming environment as the migrants move through the next phase of their journeys. Check out our Amazon Wish List if you would like to donate items needed to furnish the Welcome Houses. 

Along the way, these migrants will be accompanied by volunteers from NorCal Resist. Volunteers will support the migrants as they integrate into their lives in Sacramento by transporting them to medical appointments, helping them access available services, and accompanying them to immigration appointments.

For some, the next phases will be to file for asylum. Others may file for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), particularly relevant with the new designation of TPS for Venezuelans. With their asylum and TPS applications will come work authorization, an important component of their movement towards stability.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was initiated by former President Obama in 2012 to protect undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children. For 11 years, DACA has temporarily safeguarded eligible Dreamers from deportation and allowed them to get work permits and, in some cases, international travel permits.

On January 20, 2021, President Biden issued a memorandum noting his administration’s intent to preserve DACA; however, on September 13, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas ruled against the Biden administration’s new rule, bringing it a step closer to its potential end. 

The decision negatively impacts new applicants from having DACA petitions processed. Though current DACA recipients can continue to work and study in the U.S. and be protected from deportation temporarily, many continue to live in limbo without a permanent legal status.  

Congress can act to provide stability for Dreamers in our communities who are our neighbors, friends, and colleagues.

The Biden Administration extended and re-designated Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The extension is needed to extend temporary protection to those currently on TPS and enable recently-arrived Afghans to apply for it for the first time.

More than two years after the fall of Kabul and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, many Afghans in the U.S. remain stuck without lasting protections. While the protections provided by TPS’ extension and re-designation provide Afghans temporary stability, permanent protections demand action from Congress. Congress must pass the Afghan Adjustment Act, a bipartisan bill that provides permanent and comprehensive protections for our allies.

Serhii and his family crossed the U.S.- Mexico border in 2021 and sought asylum. Originally from Ukraine, the family spent about a month at the border until they found a sponsor in the Slavic community who helped them find housing in Sacramento.

While waiting for a work permit, the family survived on their savings. Serhii has a Computer Science degree and worked as a system administrator in Ukraine. After waiting so many months to receive their work authorization, Serhii could not find a job in his profession despite his experience. Read More