Introduction

our mission

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) was founded in 1986. CHIRLA is a California leader with the national impact made of diverse immigrant families and individuals who act as agents of social change to achieve a world with freedom of mobility, full human rights, and true participatory democracy. CHIRLA’s mission is to achieve a just society fully inclusive of immigrants. CHIRLA organizes and serves individuals, institutions, and coalitions to build power, transform public opinion, and change policies to achieve full human, civil and labor rights. Guided by the power, love, and vision of our community, CHIRLA embraces and drives progressive social change. CHIRLA was formed in response to the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 which made hiring undocumented workers illegal, thus creating a situation ripe for worker exploitation and abuse which have increased since that time.

  • Meet the needs of low-propensity, new American voters to encourage them to participate in our democracy.
  • CHIRLA responds to the critical need for reliable information through a network of community relationships well-established for decades.
  • At a time when such services are scarce, CHIRLA works to give the high-quality legal representation that our community requires.
  • CHIRLA is able to coordinate actions across the state to win pro-immigrant policies that make a difference in the lives of our members.

 

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Unstoppable Dreams

#UnstoppableDreams #HomeIsHere
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#UnstoppableDreams #HomeIsHere

English

While the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program hangs in the balance and we wait for the Supreme Court to rule on whether the program continues, people with DACA help their communities every day with their work, their ideas, and their presence. In this COVID-19 national emergency, people with DACA are among the nation’s essential workers, caring for patients in ICUs, driving delivery trucks, and picking crops in our farm fields.

As they continue to protect our nation, CHIRLA continues to advocate for them with elected officials and before the Supreme Court. Our legal department is also conducting limited online DACA renewal services as our capacity allows, through an online portal posted on Instagram at 8 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The appointment request form remains live until all appointment slots are filled.

We believe people with DACA are among the nation’s most important resources. We will continue to fight for them with everything we have. Want to join us? #UnstoppableDreams#HomeIsHere

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COVID-19

CHIRLA's Federal, State and Local Response to COVID-19

On March 11, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The ensuing worldwide crisis exposed systemic weaknesses that hamper immigrant access to key services. Government at all levels must respond swiftly, compassionately, and equitably, always accounting for the unique challenges facing immigrants and refugees.

CHIRLA Advocating for All Immigrants

Watch Angelica Salas on Democracy Now (32:00)

WHAT WE DO

Legal Immigration Services

Immigration legal services at low cost to the community, including naturalization, DACA renewal, family petitions, asylum requests, and deportation defense.

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COmmunity Education & Outreach

Inform the immigrant community on issues that impact their daily lives, mainly when immigration or social services legislations change at local, state and federal level.

Policy & Advocacy

Pressing for federal, state and local immigration policies that promote and protect the human and civil rights of immigrants.

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Civic Engagement

Our phone bankers and volunteers reach out to thousands of voters in general and primary election cycles.

Organizing

Our capacity to bring the stories of immigrants of all ages up to the forefront of the immigrant rights movement exemplifies our commitment for true grassroots organizing to win.

Press Releases

Coming Soon...

chirla-covid-newsom

California’s Actions to Combat COVID-19

In the absence of inclusive and equitable relief for immigrants from the federal government during the emergency, CHIRLA joins 60 organizations in urging California to create a state response for immigrant communities including access testing treatment, and economic relief. 

On March 19, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a stay-at-home order for all of California—the first in the nation. That week, the Legislature approved $1 billion in new spending to combat COVID-19.

In Newsom’s order, only essential industries and essential workers can operate. About one-third of California’s essential workforce is immigrant, and fills a crucial gap to help California meet this unprecedented challenge. Immigrants care for the sick and ensure our food security during the COVID-19 crisis. In 2016, almost one in four California doctors had graduated from a foreign medical school, a likely sign they were born elsewhere. Also, 121,141 of our nurses (36 percent) are foreign-born. Of the state’s nursing assistants, home health aides and psychiatric workers, 90,217 (44 percent) are foreign-born.

Sean Tan member of the California Dream Network, CHIRLA’s college state-wide youth program, to participate in She the People-Congressional Women of Color Town Hall focused on COVID-19 Relief in Congress. Sean spoke about his own experience, his concerns and asked Rep. Chu a question. Watch the video here (40 min mark).

Locations

we serve the community in 11 locations

CHIRLA
Main Office

2533 W 3rd St,
Los Angeles CA 90057

 Tel. 213-353-1333

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CHIRLA
East Los Angeles

4927 Huntington Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90032

Tel. 323-221-0779

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CHIRLA
Central Valley

130 E Mill Ave, 
Porterville, CA 93257

Tel. 213-604-5434

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CHIRLA
San Bernardino

2130 N Arrowhead Ave,
San Bernardino, CA 92405

Tel. 909-688-6319

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CHIRLA
Sacramento

1225 8th St,
 Sacramento, CA 95814

Tel. 916-426-9160

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CHIRLA
South Los Angeles

4301 S Central Ave,  
Los Angeles, CA 90011

Tel. 323-846-1807

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CHIRLA
Washington D.C

740 15th St NW, STE 331,
Washington D.C 20005

Tel. 202-800-4120

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CHIRLA
DTLA Office

643 S Olive St #960,  
Los Angeles, CA 90017

Tel. 213-269-4080

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CHIRLA
Compton

700 N Bullis Rd,
Compton CA 90221

Tel. 323-647-3932

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CHIRLA
San Fernando Valley

11243 Glenoaks Blvd #9, 
Pacoima, CA 91331

Tel. 818-532-6901

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CHIRLA
Orange County

32118 Paseo Adelanto #9A
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Tel 714-430-8771

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CHIRLA is serving and protecting the immigrant community since 1986. We're a nonprofit organization that rely largely on your support to getting our work done. Please pledge your support today!