Una nueva regla de carga pública podría afectar algunas solicitudes de inmigración a partir del 18 de septiembre de 2026. Pero no se aplica a todas las personas, y recibir beneficios no significa automáticamente que una solicitud de inmigración será negada.

Antes de dejar de recibir beneficios que su familia necesita, busque ayuda legal de confianza sobre su situación. Vea este video para saber más.

A new public charge rule may affect some immigration applications starting Sept. 18, 2026. But it does not apply to everyone, and getting benefits does not automatically mean an immigration application will be denied.

Before stopping benefits your family needs, get trusted legal advice about your situation. Watch this video to learn more.

In 2004, the State of California reduced vehicle license fees that had been distributed to counties and cities to finance critical social services. The State committed to replacing those revenues with an equivalent funding stream which has now become obsolete. As a result, San Mateo County and its cities are being blocked from receiving their fair share. Yet 55 of the state’s 58 counties will continue to receive every dollar they are owed. It will take state action to rectify this imbalance. 

On March 19th, 2026, Legal Aid SMC attorneys gathered with local leaders to talk about important issues affecting local families and the life-changing impact that legal services can have on their journey

Our attorneys, Brian Fraser and Camille Nguyen, are teaming up with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) this month to explain the basics, including information on eligibility, the court process, and how the approach is working in our county.

On Friday, February 27, the Legal Aid Association of California (LAAC) hosted its 9th annual Legal Aid Day in Sacramento. Attorneys from Legal Aid SMC’s Health Consumer Center (HCC), Elder & Disability Rights program, and Pro Bono program attended the event to connect with legislators and advocate for increased investment in legal aid.

Legal Aid is proud to continue the legacy of public service through the Carl L. McConnell Fellowship. This paid fellowship opportunity was created in honor of Carl L. McConnell, an attorney and dedicated supporter of Legal Aid who devoted many years to advancing social justice and mentoring rising attorneys.

We would once again like to extend a thank you to everyone who attended our first FallFest fundraiser at the start of September!

In this year’s Summer edition of the Pro Bono Publico, we honor two award winners from our 2025 Annual “And Justice for All” Awards Luncheon: Pro Bono Attorney Feb Cabrasawan and Pro Bono Partner Firm Morgan Lewis. We also are excited to recognize 34 attorneys and support staff who have received the Wiley W. Manuel Certificate for their commitment to pro bono work with Legal Aid SMC in 2024.

After three incredible decades, we are announcing the close of the annual Legal Aid SMC Golf Classic. Since hosting our very first Golf Classic in 1992 at the Peninsula Golf and Country Club, local law firms and corporations have joined us to support Legal Aid SMC’s work. Golfers have competed for thirty-two years to take home the coveted Sponsor’s Trophy, engraved with the names of the new winning team every year. 

As we enter the summer months, we want to look back and show appreciation to recipients of the 28th Annual “And Justice for All” Awards. This year, the luncheon took place on Thursday, May 15th at the Grand Bay Hotel and featured a keynote speech from Juliet M. Brodie, Professor of Law and Director of the Stanford Community Law Clinic, which regularly partners with the Legal Aid SMC housing team to help local clients with housing issues.

The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, along with more than 70 other organizations, has signed a joint statement from the Legal Aid Association of California (LAAC) encouraging all members of the legal profession to join us and other legal aid organizations in defending the integrity of our courts and the rights of all to equal justice under the law.

The Immigrant Legal Resource Center, a Legal Aid SMC partner (CRISP Collaborative and San Mateo County Removal Defense Collaborative) and Northern California nonprofit, was featured in the New York Times for their work distributing Red Cards.