Immigration Resources & Public Charge Information

Contra Costa is a welcoming county for refugees, immigrants, and all community members.

Our County department is closely monitoring changes from the federal administration, and we will update this page as accurate information affecting our programs becomes available.

PRIVACY PROTECTION

We do not collect or share information about your immigration status unless required by state or federal law or a court order. Safeguarding your personal information is one of our most important priorities.

DHCS Medi-Cal Immigration Chart

For Eligibility Based on Immigration Status for the Adult Expansion Freeze – effective January 1, 2026, please see the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Immigration Status chart. This DHCS chart lists common immigration statuses and whether individuals in those categories are eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal, or subject to changes in Medi-Cal benefits due to recent state policy updates. This chart is not intended for use to determine Medi-Cal eligibility. We encourage individuals to apply for Medi-Cal by visiting any EHSD district office, calling 1(866) 663-3225 or going to BenefitsCal.com.

Refugee & Immigrant Programs

DACA

On August 24, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a new Final Rule, meant to fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. The DACA policy was instituted in 2012 through a DHS Memorandum. Formalizing it in a Final Rule is intended to put the policy in a stronger position with respect to future changes or legal actions. The new rule will become effective October 31, 2022. For more information click the link below:

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Final Rule Summary

Public Charge

Update as of 9/18/26: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a new and Final Rule on July 20, 2026 Federal Register: Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility. On August 18, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued related policy guidance (USCIS Issues Guidance on Making Public Charge Inadmissibility Determination | USCIS). The new Final Rule is effective on September 18, 2026.

EHSD will continue to monitor Federal actions and provide updated information as it becomes available.

Resources

If you need legal guidance related to immigration, we encourage you to seek guidance from a reputable immigration service provider or an attorney. Below is a partial list** of resources that may be helpful.

211/Contra Costa Database, CC Crisis Center
Crisis-Center.org

Alliance to End Abuse
ContraCostaAlliance.org

Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach
www.apilegaloutreach.org

Bay Area Legal Aid
www.baylegal.org

Catholic Charities
www.cceb.org

California Department of Social Services (CDSS)
www.cdss.ca.gov

Centro Legal de la Raza
centrolegal.org

Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights
Chiral.org

First 5 California
First5california.com

Immigrant Legal Resource Center
www.ilrc.org

Immigration Advocates
www.immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/legaldirectory/

Keep Your Benefits
Keepyourbenefits.org