Safe at Home

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in Santa Monica

Know your rights! Click here for a quick link to your basic rights when approached in public, and read on for more on our City and community's available resources to support all of our residents. 

The City of Santa Monica remains committed to protecting and uplifting all residents, guided by values of equity, inclusion, and justice. In light of the 2025 presidential transition, potential shifts in federal policy may create challenges for the community, particularly for those most vulnerable to systemic inequities. During times of uncertainty, local governments play a critical role as stewards of democracy, human rights, and opportunity for all.
This commitment is grounded in the Council-adopted five strategic priorities, emphasizing justice and equity as the Council continues to govern with courage, compassion and innovation. Policies and practices must prioritize the needs and voices of those historically excluded from power and resources. Through the empowerment of city staff, engagement with community groups, and the cultivation of meaningful community partnerships, Santa Monica seeks to remain a leader in progress, innovation, and inclusion and ensure we guard against any negative impacts on our residents and stakeholders.
This motion affirms the City’s resolve to act boldly in the face of adversity, ensuring thatall residents, regardless of background or circumstance, are able to live with dignity, thrive in the community, and trust in their local government to safeguard their rights and aspirations. - Santa Monica City Council, December 19, 2024


Local Support

  • Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles provides free legal services for low-income LA County and Santa Monica residents, including services related immigration, housing, family law, and government benefits legal issues. For more information, please contact 1-800-399-4529 or visit www.lafla.org.  (topics: Immigration, Housing, Domestic Violence & Government Benefits)

  • Los Angeles Raids and Rapid Response Network Hotline: (800) 399-4529 ​​​​​

National Resources

Hotlines/Apps:

Know Your Rights Resources:

Rights During Raids:

Family Preparedness Plans:

Parental and Family Rights Toolkits:

General Guides:

Community Resources:

Rights in Detention:

Legal Providers:

The following resources are in the process of being updated to reflect the changes made by the 2025 presidential transition and the changing policies of the Trump Administration.

About Public Charge: 

During the first Trump Administration, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expanded the public charge rule. Under that rule, using certain previously excluded benefits, including food assistance (e.g., SNAP), housing assistance, and other benefits, could result in a public charge determination and be a basis for the government to deny someone entry to the US or adjustment to legal permanent resident status. 

As of December 23, 2022, USCIS under the Biden Administration revised the public charge rule. The current rule clarifies that immigration officials will consider an applicant a public charge only if they are likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence. Specifically, this includes reliance on: 

- **Cash assistance for income maintenance**, such as: 

  - Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 

  - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) 

  - State or local cash benefit programs (often called "General Assistance") 

 

- **Long-term institutionalization at government expense** 

 

Notably, non-cash benefits like Medicaid (except for long-term institutional care), nutrition programs (e.g., SNAP), housing assistance, and other supplemental benefits are **not** considered in public charge determinations under the current public charge rule.  

 

**NOTE: The public charge rule is subject to being changed again in the second Trump Administration. The Trump Administration may re-institute the earlier version of the rule or make other changes. The following resources provide information about current public charge rule only. In order to make the best decisions for your family, you may wish to consider potential future changes to the public charge rule. For personalized assistance, contact the Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs at 800-593-8222.   

For comprehensive information, please visit the USCIS Public Charge page: 

  • Resources regarding current public charge rule: 

     

    Public Charge: Does This Apply to Me? 

      English 

      Spanish

     

    Should I Keep My Kids Enrolled in Health and Nutrition Programs?** 

     English 

     Spanish

     

     

City and Council Action 

City of Santa Monica

  • Letter from former Mayor Winterer (English )
  • Resolution Embracing Diversity and Clarifying the City's Role in Enforcing Federal Immigration Law (English )

Santa Monica-Malibu School District

Santa Monica College

Downloadable Tool