Hi John,

I’m Pedro, the CEO of Valley Impact Strategies and an entrepreneurship and advocacy consultant to Immigrants Rising.

If you’re reading this, it’s more than likely that someone you know is undocumented and is impacted by the rapid and harmful changes in immigration policies today.

It was estimated that 11 million undocumented people ([link removed]) live in the U.S. as of 2022, most of whom have been in the country for five years or longer ([link removed]) and have built their lives here: their livelihoods, education, family, networks of loved ones, chosen communities, and homes are here.

And yet, the last year and a half of the current administration has made this country unsafe for all of us. It isn’t just ICE’s rampant presence and their cruelty against immigrants. The Supreme Court struck down TPS ([link removed]) , DACA recipients are losing jobs due to renewal backlogs ([link removed]) , and legal challenges on banking, higher education access, among many others, continue. In the last month alone, the federal government has made it incredibly difficult for people with limited or no status to survive.

John, we are in crisis, and it is time that we take a proactive role to make sure that immigrants in California and nationwide can strive for a better life for ourselves, our loved ones, and the people around us. We must channel our anger into fighting back and finding ways to help people.

We do that with hope that a thriving reality is within reach. Even in a difficult year, we’ve secured SEED 4.0 ([link removed]) , bringing critical investment to immigrant entrepreneurs across California. At the federal level, we now call on Congress to sign on the Dream & Promise Act Discharge Petition and vote for a real pathway for eligible Dreamers, TPS holders, and DED recipients ([link removed]) .

John, I encourage you to use your voice and whatever is within your power to uplift the undocumented people in your community. Be involved in local and national advocacy, and more importantly, ensure that resources can reach those around you, because we have to keep going while ensuring no one is left behind. Get started here:
* UndocuProfessionals ([link removed]-) (scholarships and career resources for undocumented professionals)
* Undocumented Graduate & Professional Student Resource Hub ([link removed])
* Path2Papers ([link removed]) (employer sponsorship resource open to Dreamers, employers, and attorneys)
* Important Things for Immigrants To Know When Applying for a Professional License ([link removed])
* Asset Protection Guide for Businesses ([link removed])

Persevering together,

Pedro
Entrepreneurship & Advocacy Consultant to Immigrants Rising


** Upcoming Events & Opportunities
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* Path2Papers webinar ([link removed]) on H-1B updates and employment-based immigration options (Wednesday, August 5, 1 p.m. PT)
* #Opportunity4All Campaign General Meeting ([link removed]) (Wednesday, August 5, 7 p.m. PT)
* AB 713 (Opportunity for All) Power Hours! ([link removed]) (Thursdays, August 6 & 13, 12 p.m. PT)
* Apply to the Berkeley Excelerator Scholarship ([link removed]) by August 17. Attend the Virtual Q&A Session ([link removed]) on August 12 at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET.
* Starting Smart: Low-Cost Ways to Launch Your Business ([link removed]) (Wednesday, August 12, 5:30 p.m. PT)
* Bank Said No? Here's Where to Go Next ([link removed]) (Wednesday, August 19, 5:30 p.m. PT)
* ¿El banco te dijo que no? Aquí es donde debes ir ([link removed]) (Thursday, August 20, 5:30 p.m. PT)
* Know Your Rights: Building a Business Without Documents ([link removed]) (Wednesday, August 26, 5:30 p.m. PT)
* Conoce tus derechos: Cómo construir un negocio sin documentos ([link removed]) (Thursday, August 27, 5:30 p.m. PT)
** Mental Health Program Sunsets in 2026
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The Mental Health program at Immigrants Rising concludes its program on July 31, 2026.

As Immigrants Rising looks toward the future, our strategic direction is increasingly focused on advancing economic mobility, and this decision reflects this transition. Mental health has always played an important role in supporting the persistence and well-being of undocumented communities. At the same time, we recognize that long-term mental health service delivery requires deep specialization, infrastructure, and sustained investment that mental health care-focused organizations can deepen further.

We are incredibly grateful for the impact it has made and the people who made it possible. In 2020-2026, our team served over 2,664 individuals through our Wellness Support Groups and Mental Health Connector, 17 undocumented aspiring therapists through the Mental Health Career Program, and tens of thousands more reached through our mental health resources.

Although we will no longer provide mental health services, we remain committed to integrating mental health topics into our programs. If you are a Mental Health Connector client, use the Mental Health Maintenance Plan ([link removed]) to reflect independently or with your therapist. If you or someone you know is seeking mental health support, please visit mental health resources for undocumented people ([link removed]) .


** Updates
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New Presidential Order on Bank Accounts & ITINs: What You Need to Know ([link removed]) (June 4)
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What States & Local Governments Can Do to Support Immigrants' Financial Stability ([link removed]) (June 22)
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Immigrants Rising Statement on Supreme Court Decision on TPS ([link removed]) (June 25)
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Supreme Court Rules to Protect Birthright Citizenship in Landmark Case | American Civil Liberties Union ([link removed]) (June 30)
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Statement from Immigrants Rising on the Dream & Promise Act Discharge Petition ([link removed]) (July 20)
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$10.8 Million SEED Investment Will Help More Immigrant Entrepreneurs Launch and Grow Businesses ([link removed]) (July 20)
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New Upcoming Changes to Public Charge ([link removed]) (July 16)
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Donate ([link removed])

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