Thanks to President Obama, My American Dream Won't Become a Nightmare

This is my family's American Dream story. I am a divorced, single mother, and an undocumented immigrant. I have resided in the United States for almost 30 years.

By Anita Shalwani

Americans capitol building

Teen Parents Want to Succeed in School—Let's Treat Them Like They Belong There, Because They Do

Many high school students have reported being denied the opportunity to take necessary college prep classes. And a disproportionate number of those were students who were either pregnant or parenting.

By Angélica Salceda

Esmeralda with her son

Local Surveillance Reform at a Tipping Point in Oakland

Public participation in decisions about whether to equip police with surveillance technology is often the exception rather than the rule in California and across the country. Oakland knows this all too well.

surveillance cameras

It's Time to Protect Digital Privacy in California

The technology that we use for everything from balancing our budget to finding a date is constantly evolving – but the laws that protect our electronic information are stuck in the digital dark ages.

By Nicole A. Ozer

analog vs. digital phone

Public Defender's Arrest Shows that “Black Lives Matter” Needs to Be Heard in SF

In San Francisco, yet another example of police abuse came to light when Jami Tillotson was arrested outside a courtroom in the Hall of Justice while attempting to protect her clients’ right to counsel.

By Carey Lamprecht

Jami Tillotson Arrest

Turning a New Leaf: Driver’s Licenses in California

It’s a month since AB 60 - The Safe and Responsible Driver Act went into effect: since then, all eligible Californians can apply for a driver’s license, regardless of immigration status. This is a huge victory that immigrants and advocates fought for over two decades.

By Stacy Suh

at last #licenses4all in California

Detention Is No Place for Infants, Children, and Families

The Obama administration's decision eight months ago to massively expand the detention of immigrant families with children means that more newborns, toddlers, and young children will suffer imprisonment for no good reason inside dangerous detention facilities.

By Carl Takei

hands in chains

For Some Families Fleeing Violence, a Shot at a Fair Shake

When I met Milagro* and her toddlers, they were facing imminent deportation to Honduras – a near certain death sentence in light of the extreme violence they would face there. But now they have hope.

By Daniel Galindo

immigrants' rights

Cops Complain about Being Tracked on Waze: “Do as We Say, Not as We Do”

Do you have the right to tell others that you saw an on duty cop in public? According to law enforcement in two Associated Press articles this week, the answer is “No.”

Waze screenshot