We stand with undocumented immigrants as the Trump administration plans to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This is a difficult time for many of us as our family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors are affected by this act of discrimination. To do our part, we have compiled a list of organizations and resources to help protect and assist Dreamers at this time. It is highly advised to seek legal advice and support from immigration experts if you are a DACA recipient or want to renew your DACA application before October 5th.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice L.A. (AAAJ-LA)
AAAJ-LA is providing relevant and helpful information and resources for those with DACA, including the right to work and travel advice. FREE DACA renewal workshops on Thursdays from 3-6 pm. Also call their hotlines (offered in different languages) for assistance with immigration law and civil rights. English hotline 888.349.9695 or visit https://www.advancingjustice-la.org/daca.
Central American Resource Center (CARECEN LA)
CARECEN is committed to providing high-quality, affordable immigration legal services. Starting Wednesday, September 6, 2017, CARECEN is offering FREE DACA renewal services and filing fee support throughout LA County! They do not charge any fees for DACA and Naturalization consultations. LA Office (213) 385-7800 ext. 136 or visit http://www.carecen-la.org/legal_services for other sites.
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
CHIRLA is providing FREE legal consultations and free processing services to anyone who needs to renew their DACA application before the October 5, 2017 deadline. They are also seeking donations to provide financial support to applicants to offset the USCIS application renewal fees ($495). Call toll free 1-888-6CHIRLA or visit http://www.chirla.org/.
Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA)
CAIR-LA's Immigrants' Rights Center provides high-quality, low-cost or pro bono services to individuals unable to obtain legal assistance, including sharing "know your rights" information. Their clients include individuals who seek asylum, legal permanent residency, citizenship, and temporary protected status. CAIR-LA's Immigration Attorney Farida Chehata - [email protected] or call (714) 776-1177, or visit http://ca.cair.com/losangeles/what-we-do/immigrant-rights/. You can also contact them to report hate crimes and bias incidents.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA)
Although LAFLA's immigration work focuses on adults and minors who have been the survivors of crime, either in the U.S. or in their home countries, they also help with issues of naturalization and deportation defense. Call them at 800-399-4529 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also visit https://lafla.org/help/services/immigration/ for more information.
National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
NILC is encouraging DACA recipients to speak first with an immigration attorney or a Board of Immigration Appeals–accredited representative. If you decide to proceed with an application, NILC urges that you be represented by an attorney or accredited representative. You can call their national headquarters in LA at (213) 639-3900 or visit https://www.nilc.org/issues/daca/ for more information.