The City Council of San Jose held its final public hearing on the proposed budgets on June 9, 2025, where community members voiced their concerns and support for various funding initiatives. The meeting focused on the urgent need for financial resources to assist immigrant families, particularly in securing legal services to prevent family separations.

Several speakers, including Alisa Marina Alvarado, emphasized the critical nature of funding for legal services, highlighting that these resources are essential for families to protect themselves amid ongoing challenges. Alvarado's remarks were echoed by other community members who shared personal stories about the impact of immigration policies on their lives.

Crystal, a mother of two, expressed her fears about family separation and the emotional toll it takes on her children. Her son, Jesus, a 15-year-old aspiring doctor, shared his dreams and the sacrifices his parents made to provide him with opportunities. He urged the council to support initiatives that would help families like his achieve their dreams.

Another speaker, Itali, a 12-year-old, also articulated his aspirations to become a doctor, reflecting the hopes of many young individuals in the community. His father, Gerardo, spoke about his own journey as a landscaper and his dreams of owning a business, illustrating the struggles faced by immigrant families striving for a better future.

The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing the needs of immigrant families in San Jose, with community members calling for immediate action rather than waiting until midyear to revisit these discussions. The council's response to these heartfelt testimonies will be crucial in shaping the budget and the support provided to vulnerable populations in the city.

As the meeting concluded, the council was left with the weight of these personal stories and the pressing need to consider the implications of their budget decisions on the lives of many families in San Jose.