Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti is hosting the second workshop for those eligible for DACA, the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

The local and state-funded event is part of the city's efforts to bring undocumented youth into mainstream society. Garcetti says this, in turn, would benefit the economy and increase safety for all communities.

This Saturday, February 22, at 9am Mayor Garcetti will be meeting with undocumented youth as part of the DACA, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, workshop at Van Nuys City Hall.

The event seeks to help youth file their applications for the program, which would prevent enrollees from being deported while offering them work permits and other benefits.

Sean Potts, an Officer of Los Angeles Immigration Court and Registered Pro-bono Attorney for DACA Clinics says many eligible youth are hesitant of applying.

The event is in partnership with the CCF, California Community Fund, the DACA Taskforce, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles.

DACA, was announced by the Obama Administration on June 15, 2012.

 The Garcetti administration hopes to reach out to those between 15 to 31 years of age, to cease the opportunity, and get on the path of immigration reform while working and acquiring an education.

Potts explains that youth are hesitant to “Come out of the shadows.” Many fear that filing official paperwork makes them vulnerable.

 Advocates say education as well as reform is crucial to empowering the immigrant community. But DACA clinics have very limited budgets. Therefore a potential end to the workshops could sell the opportunity short.

 CHIRLA Staff Attorney Kathy Khommarath shares her insight.

 Garcetti and his staff have jumped at the opportunity to host the workshops as they want to be the face of immigration reform within the Los Angeles community.

Linda Lopez, Chief of Immigration Affairs explains the plan given the budget limitations.