Mayor's Blue Ribbon Crime Prevention Committee
Meeting Minutes
PLACE:
Civic Auditorium, North Hall
525 N. Center Street
DATE/TIME:
February 22, 2006
3:30 p.m.
Opening Comments:
The meeting was called to order by Fabrizio Sasso at 3:40 p.m. He reminded
the group that the next meeting would be held on March 8th and the subject
would be narcotics. Fabrizio introduced Lynn Kirkonnell from Catholic
Charities as the speaker.
OPEN DISCUSSION:
Lynn Kirkconnell began by defining her position at Catholic Charities as
the Director of Immigration and Refugee Program. She described Immigration
Program as being broken down into three categories; 1) Family based, 2) Naturalization,
and 3) Victims of Abuse and Crime. For the purpose of this meeting she
focused on the Victims of Abuse and Crime.
Lynn brought attention to the plight of victims, focusing on “undocumented” individuals. She provided the following statistics:
Population in the State of California is 36.6 million
Population of “foreign born” is 9.5 million
Population of “undocumented” is 2.4 million
90-95% of domestic violence victims are women
Lynn discussed in detail how “Green” cards are acquired. She
stated that immigrant victims are usually family members that are unable to
get support from spouse for sponsorship, and undocumented individuals married
to undocumented spouse.
The question was raised on how many cases Lynn processes. She stated
that she currently has 250 clients, with 60 on a waiting list. There
are only 2 staff members and I aide in the office to cover 6 counties. They
depend on funding from grants and minimal fees.
Lynn provided a PowerPoint presentation outlining the process of petitioning
of a Visa or Green Card. (copies available upon request) She also provided
as handouts the latest edition of VAWA (Violence Against Women Acts) Network
News and a bilingual brochure describing Catholic Charities services.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Fabrizio thanked Ms. Kirkconnnell for proving the presentation.
ADJOURN:
The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Next Meeting:
The next Committee Meeting has been scheduled for March 8, 2006 at 3:30
p.m. Location to be determined. |
Stockton,
CA 
Procedures