In Los Angeles County, several organizations provide support and resources for undocumented
individuals and Dreamers. Here's a breakdown of the types of support available and
key organizations offering assistance:
- Dream Resource Centers (DRCs): Many community colleges, California State Universities (CSU), and University of California (UC) campuses in Los Angeles County have DRCs dedicated to assisting undocumented students and their families navigate the educational system.
- DRCs offer services like:
- Assistance with residency forms (like AB540) to pay in-state tuition.
- Help with California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for state financial aid.
- Scholarship resources and counseling.
- Information about navigating higher education opportunities.
- Workshops and legal services related to immigration matters.
- DRCs include:
- Dream Program – SMC
- Dream Resource Center – LAHC (opens in new window)
- Dream Resource Center – Los Angeles - LATTC (opens in new window)
- Dream Resource Center | LAPC – Pierce College (opens in new window)
- Dream Resource Center – LAVC (opens in new window)
- ELAC (opens in new window)
- Cal State LA (opens in new window)
- Southwest College (opens in new window)
- The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) provides resources and guidance on financial aid eligibility through the CADAA for undocumented students (opens in new window) , according to CA.gov.
- Organizations like CHIRLA - The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights https://www.chirla.org/ provide legal assistance, help with DACA renewals and citizenship applications, and offer support for deportation defense and family unity cases. They also have an Immigrant Assistance Referral Line: 888-624-4752.
- Other groups offering legal support include:
- Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA).
- Immigrant Defenders Law Center.
- Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) - Los Angeles.
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL).
- Information on Know Your Rights resources when interacting with law enforcement is available through organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Immigration Law Center (NILC). Immigrant Legal Resource Center | ILRC | https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas provides "Red Cards" that inform individuals of their rights in 17 languages.
- 211 LA: A non-profit organization that helps Los Angeles County residents find resources for various needs, including immigrant rights groups and other services. You can call 211 or 800-339-6993.
- FamilySource Centers: These centers serve all Angelenos, regardless of immigration status, and provide social, educational, work, and family support services. There are 19 FamilySource Centers in Los Angeles County.
- Basic Needs Support: Organizations like No Us Without You LA provide food security for underserved communities, including back-of-house restaurant staff and street vendors, with a focus on mothers and children in need. Other organizations listed in Search Result offer food and essentials delivery services.
- Mental Health and Wellness: Resources like the Student and Family Wellness line 213-241-3840 and the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988) are available for those in need.