With the recent climate in Kern County regarding deportation and the population’s desire to become more informed about their rights, there has been an increased desire for accessible immigration resources in the community.
One well known resource in particular is “Red Cards,” also known as Know Your Rights cards—a pocket-sized resource that provides quick assistance when it comes to immigration agents or even law enforcement.
With the increased vulnerability of community members and the high demand for the resource, some people in smaller communities in Kern County, such as Arvin, Lamont, and Delano, have shared that they have been sold a Red Card—something that is public information.
“One of our organizers let us know that they were selling them for up to $500,” said Leydy Rangel, UFW Foundation communications director. Rangel clarified that the UFW received information that they were being sold for up to $600 in a later email.
In Deleno specifically they received tips that people have been selling red cards for $50, wrote Rangel.
At the UFW they made sure that there are many ways for the community to have access to Red Cards such as online, on social media, and at their offices. Rangel said that they are free because they contain information on peoples rights and that shouldn’t come with a cost.
Furthermore, the UFW offers “Know Your Rights” forums that cover various topics, such as creating a family preparedness plan or securing healthcare. It is essential for folks to have information on how to prepare for situations when a loved one could potentially face detention.
“The UFW Foundation provides free or low-cost immigration legal services to farmworkers, immigrants, and really any member of the community that needs immigration legal services,” Rangel said. “Our services include DACA renewals, U Visas, T Visas, green cards, citizenship… and presentations on what people’s rights are when it comes to immigration and what to have in place in case they are detained or facing deportation.”
If you are unable to attend a Know Your Rights forum, people are encouraged to reach out to the UFW offices and schedule an immigration consultation appointment.
For some community members, Red Cards are not a new topic for them or their families.
Jacquelin Garcia Garcia, a Cal State Bakersfield student, has known about the cards since 2016, as her family and friends talked about them and how to utilize them. Red Cards have the ability to help and remind you of what to do in circumstances involving ICE showing up or detaining people, Garcia said.
“Having access to Red Cards is important because you never know when you may need it, and if a person is in need of one, they can access it quickly on their phone or by going to a place on campus that has Red Cards,” wrote Garcia.
At Cal State Bakersfield, students, faculty, and staff have access to free Red Cards as well as other legal and immigration information or support.
“The Dreamers Resource Center has the Red Cards accessible to all campus community members,” said Jasmine Padilla, Dreamers Resource Center coordinator. “We try to restock with them on a daily basis… there are specific areas on campus that would have them.”
Areas such as the president’s office, student union, student affairs, counseling center, health center, student housing, as well as faculty members who have requested them in their spaces. Furthermore, CSUB’s partner school in Antelope Valley has Red Cards available.
Padilla said the next stage of marketing Red Card accessibility beyond emails and social media is to possibly have flyers around campus. Furthermore, faculty members can request the center to attend classes and share information about their center and the resources available for students.
For some students, having their identification card with a Red Card attached to the back makes them feel protected and safe against ICE or BP agents.
“It’s like their superpower and they don’t get confronted…. It gives them the level of confidence to say, ‘this is my shield, and this is what’s going to protect me,’” Padilla said.
While Red Cards offer quick information, the resource center is working on making sure the campus community has more support and knowledge. The center will be hosting Know Your Rights forums on a monthly basis starting on Feb. 25 on Zoom and in person, up until May. Furthermore, on March 18, they will be starting in-person legal consultations for students, faculty, and staff at CSUB.
