Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA)

A big congratulations to longtime IIBA volunteer, Betty Labastida, who was recognized with the Icon Award for Outstanding Community Service by KPIX | CBS San Francisco/Bay Area. "You are part of a bigger thing. You're not just volunteering. You're part of this person's life and future and their children's future," said Betty, who has helped with citizenship applications workshop in IIBA's Napa office for over 13 years. Watch the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gbKWh_4j

Comedy Night for Immigrant Rights will be back LIVE at the Presidio Theatre on Thursday, May 1st. Don’t miss the amazing Comedy Night for Immigrant Rights showcase featuring Jenny Yang, Sheng Wang, Sabrina Jalees, Mohanad Elshieky. Join us for an unforgettable evening of laughter and community! Get your tickets here: https://lnkd.in/gKRyCG96

IIBA mourns loss of beloved colleague Teodoro De la Rosa Soto It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of a tragic loss of a beloved colleague at Immigration Institute of the Bay Area. Teodoro “Teo” De la Rosa, a paralegal in the IIBA Fremont office, passed away suddenly on March 2, 2025 at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, CA, after complications from pneumonia. Teo, 34, was surrounded by friends and family. Teo joined IIBA in April 2023 as a paralegal – making an immediate impact in the Fremont office. Hailing from Saltillo, Mexico, Teo graduated from Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila with his degree in law. He first practiced law in Mexico before immigrating to the U.S. to marry the love of his life, David Soto De la Rosa. Having gone through the immigration process himself, Teo knew the importance of our work, and committed himself fully to serving his clients. During his time with IIBA, Teo helped hundreds of clients apply for green cards, citizenship, DACA, U visas, VAWA, and more. Teo approached his clients with respect, compassion, patience, and professionalism, never wanting to leave a phone call or email unanswered. He built deep connections with his colleagues, both in the Fremont office and beyond. Due to his legal training and work experience in Mexico, colleagues often turned to Teo for advice on obscure Mexican administrative processes, and he would always have an answer or know where to find one. He served on IIBA’s JEDI committee, holding IIBA accountable for implementing our goals to center justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Teo was determined to pass the California Bar Exam so he could become a licensed attorney in the U.S. He had plans to sit for the exam this summer, and the entire IIBA team was supporting him as he prepared for this grueling test in his second language. We will remember Teo as a fierce advocate for those in need, and a dear colleague with a big heart and a gentle spirit. Teo is survived by his husband, David Soto, his mother, father, four sisters, and many nieces and nephews. We ask you to consider supporting the GoFundMe campaign to support Teo’s husband, David, with medical and funeral bills: https://lnkd.in/gJTnuwwH

IIBA's Sara Fain shared some thoughtful insights with Bay Area Parent Magazine on how to talk to kids about threats of mass deportations and what families with no or mixed immigration status can expect. Fain, the directing attorney in IIBA's Fremont office who specializes in affirmative humanitarian and family-based cases, says she’s been spending a lot of time recently trying to quell people’s fears. Read Sara's full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gk2mn872

IIBA Legal Director Catherine Seitz spoke with KTVU 2 reporter #JanaKatsuyama about the Trump administration's recent defiance of a federal judge's court order to return a plane carrying 200 passengers being sent to a high security jail for gang members in El Salvador. "We're really worried about the lack of due process given to these folks and also the apparent lack of respect for the court order," Seitz said. Watch the full report here: https://lnkd.in/g_UXNnrf

PSA: In immigration, “Registration” and “Registry” are *NOT* the same thing. Let us explain. ?? It’s possible you have heard about the Trump administration’s heinous registration requirement for most undocumented immigrants. Aside from being a hateful fear tactic, registration is a dangerous tool used by authoritarian governments to target marginalized communities. They’ve been used worldwide over the course of history with disastrous results. It was last used in the U.S. to racially profile young Arab and Muslim men after 9/11. But do not confuse this registration with “registry.” They are two different things! Current immigration law contains a provision called “registry” that allows certain immigrants who have been living in the U.S. for over 50 years to apply for a green card. Advocates want to expand the eligibility requirements for registry as a way to allow more people to get green cards, but this has not yet happened. Currently, registry only helps those who have lived in the U.S. since 1972 and meet the relevant requirements. Trump’s registration requirement **DOES NOT** provide a path to a green card. The Trump administration has said they will use this registration requirement to deport people. Do not let anyone tell you that Trump’s registration means you are putting your name in the registry for permanent residence. The new registration is NOT a benefit - it is an immigration enforcement tool. We know these terms have caused confusion, so here are key takeaways: ?? Trump’s “registration” does not take effect until April 11. No one should register now. When that date comes and if this takes effect, however, it will be key to learn how registration will affect you before doing anything. ?? Do NOT pay anyone to sign up for Trump’s registration. ?? Talk to a trusted and QUALIFIED legal service provider. This would be an immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative; NOT a notario/public notary, nor a tax preparer. ?? Know your rights and spread the word! ??

BREAKING: A decision from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals *partially upholding* and *partially shooting down* the DACA rule goes into effect today. In its January 17th decision, the Court ruled that parts of the DACA rule were unlawful, but upheld that the federal government could give protection from deportation to DACA recipients. The court did limit the decision to Texas, so potentially who could access DACA in the future might change and what type of benefits DACA recipients get could depend on where they live. ?? What this might mean for DACA recipients is still **not clear.** There are several unanswered questions and uncertainties that will only be answered with time, that we must wait for - including what the Trump administration will do - to fully understand what the future of DACA may be. ?? What should I do now? In the current anti-immigrant environment, it is recommended to **wait** until more is understood about the administration's response and the potential risks to applicants. Once @the_ilrc assesses risks and opportunities to those impacted, we will share more updates and guidance soon!

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If you needed a brief moment of hope today, this could be it. Our tiny, discreet piece of paper has been shared, translated, replicated, and repurposed in more ways than we can count at this point – and our community of immigrants and allies driving this are not slowing down under this viciously racist anti-immigrant administration. ?? Swipe and take a look at the impact and reach our #KnowYourRights Red Cards are having across the U.S. These numbers don’t even include all the creative minds printing these themselves and helping their friends and neighbors become equipped with some constitutional knowledge! ???? If you or a loved one have ever had to use a Red Card when confronted by immigration enforcement, you know it’s a frightening ordeal. Preparation and scenario practice with them beforehand can make a world of difference!

?? This year for #12DaysofGiving, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible organizations we collaborate with to support clients who have experienced #domesticviolence or #humantrafficking. Through trauma-informed care, we strive to meet their needs and address every aspect of their lives.?? Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA) provides immigration legal services, including assistance with visas, citizenship, and asylum applications. They support immigrant families in navigating complex legal processes. Ruby’s Place partners with IIBA to connect clients with immigration support, helping them achieve legal status and stability.