Immigration attorney Cesar Luna will headline an immigration forum and free community services fair on Saturday, April 18, from noon to 3 p.m. at the MAAC Community Center, 1387 Third Ave.
The fourth annual event is co-sponsored by Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas, Deputy Mayor Pamela Bensoussan and Alliance San Diego, the community empowerment organization that builds coalitions to promote justice and social change.
The public is being encouraged to attend the forum/fair to learn what they need to know to protect themselves, as well as prepare for President Obama’s Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiatives.
DAPA allows parents of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to receive deferred action barring deportation.
DACA allows individuals who entered the United States before age 16 to apply for deferred action from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Individuals approved for DACA are allowed to remain in the United States for a period of two years without fear of being deported.
“Like most cities across America, Chula Vista is home to many immigrants who also make substantial contributions to their community,” said Casillas Salas. “DACA and DAPA will fuel economic growth, increase public safety and keep families together.”
“Each year we’ve held the immigration forum thanks to the many who step up to donate their time and expertise,” said Deputy Mayor Bensoussan. “It’s very important to get the right information out to those who need it. With the constant changes and advances in the immigration field, a trustworthy attorney such as Cesar Luna of Cesar Luna & Associates helps demystify the legal process.”
The event will also feature a community services fair focusing on the needs of immigrant and low-income residents.
Free daycare will be available (space is limited and pre-registration is required). Light refreshments will be served.
The forum/fair is part of an ongoing series of events hosted by the city of Chula Vista offering families a wealth of resources to improve their quality of life and meet their health needs regardless of their immigration status.
MAAC, the Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee, was founded in 1965 with the mission of maximizing self-sufficiency with families and individuals through high-quality programs and advocacy. MAAC strives to eliminate social and economic barriers leading to increased self-reliance. MAAC assists more than 35,000 people annually through its four pillars of service: career paths, education, health and wellness, and housing.
For more information visit www.maacproject.org.
The city of Chula Vista’s website is at www.chulavistaca.gov.
