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Chair Carpenter asked whether there is a guaranty that an individual will not be <br />deported. <br />Commissioner Mejia asked whether applicants with a criminal history are able to <br />apply or could be denied due to their past criminal history. <br />Sabrina Rivera and Allyssa Scheyer confirmed there are four staff attorneys in the <br />immigration unit at Public Law Center and stated the U-Visa program started in <br />2011 with the purpose being to protect the community. They stated deportation <br />pauses sometimes occur, depending on the presidential administration, but there is <br />no guarantee that an individual will not be deported. They also clarified that while <br />criminal history cannot be considered for U-Visa certification, it could still affect the <br />DNS final decision to grant the visa, but that decision falls outside of SAPD <br />authority. <br />Deputy Chief Andrad confirmed SAPD does not take criminal history into <br />consideration when reviewing a case. <br />Commissioner Perea requested recommendations by Sabrina Rivera and Allyssa <br />Scheyer be incorporated into the policy, the eligibility requirements listed match the <br />federal guidelines, the ability for SAPD to consider U-Visas even for cases that are <br />passed through to the District Attorney, and referencing Oakland's policy when it <br />comes to public transparency on the city website. He spoke regarding the case of <br />Edgar Vargas. <br />Chair Carpenter expressed concern regarding the ability to make policy changes <br />due to the proposed amendments to the Police Oversight Commission ordinance. <br />Assistant City Attorney Martinez recommended the commission continue with <br />discussion for changes until amendments are finalized. <br />Deputy City Manager Vazquez asked whether the commission would like other <br />organizations to provide feedback. <br />Commissioner Perea stated he was satisfied with the legal experts. <br />Sabrina Rivera and Allyssa Scheyer suggested additional organizations share <br />testimony of other compelling cases. <br />Commissioner Mejia requested inviting the OC Rapid Response Network to be a <br />presenter. <br />Commissioner Perea requested inviting the Orange County Justice Fund to be a <br />presenter. <br />POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 11 JULY 10, 2025 <br />