A slip of paper, a piece of plastic: it seems almost arbitrary to think that is all that separates “documented” from “undocumented” Californians. But nearly anyone from the latter group could tell you that although our differences may seem slight, not having that piece of paper changes everything. It isn’t just a legal issue; it carries with it a profoundly real psychological impact – the feeling of belonging, of legitimacy, of building toward a future of living in the light.   Puente works toward bringing people into the light in several ways: with citizenship, renewal of green cards, U visas for crime victims, and DACA applications (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a permit for young people who were brought to the U.S. as children).   Now Puente is preparing to help undocumented South Coast residents attain a special driver’s license under a new California law that takes effect January 1, 2015. State officials are expecting a crush of applications, and Puente is working with the California DMV to help locals get their papers in order to streamline the process. Puente will host an information night with a DMV representative on the evening of Tuesday, August 19, to share details about the new rules.   Puente will not only get people the information they need, but will help prepare people … Continue reading Puente helps bring youth into the light