As immigration lawyers in California USA, here at Nelson and Associates, we know how important it is for immigrants living in the USA to have a strong support and advocacy network. We help many of our immigration law clients to locate these support networks and today, we want to share a few of them with you too.
Immigration Lawyers in California USA: Immigrant Support Resources
Immigration Attornies in California
We’d be remiss if we didn’t begin by advising you to connect with an immigration attorney before you do anything else. While an immigration attorney is not a support network per se, having one on your side is crucial for any immigrant seeking residence in or residing in the U.S. temporarily. If you are located in or near Pasadena, California, we recommend contacting our office, Nelson and Associates at 626-683-3451 to have one of our experienced lawyers review your case.
Immigrant Public Benefits
Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) – The Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) is a state-funded program available to immigrants living in California. The program is designed to provide monthly cash benefits to aged, blind and disabled non-citizens who are not eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or State Supplemental Payment (SSP)
California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) – The California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) is another state-funded program designed to provide supplemental nutrition by giving state-funded food stamp benefits to immigrants who qualify who are not eligible for the federal food stamp program.
Medi-Cal – Many immigrants are eligible for Medi-Cal benefits. According to https://caimmigrant.org/health-for-all/:
“Immigrants may qualify if they have low income (up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level), are physically present with the intent to remain in California, and fall into one of 4 categories:
1) U.S. Citizens
2) Lawful Permanent Residents
3) PRUCOL Immigrants
4) Survivors of Human Trafficking with Intent to Apply for T Nonimmigrant Status (“T-Visa”)
Other immigrants are not eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal. However, they can apply for health insurance through My Health LA, Restricted Medi-Cal, or other programs (see below).”
Additionally, the “Health4All Kids” add-on program has made full-scope Medi-Cal health care available for all children regardless of where they were born.
Although there is no full coverage for all immigrants yet, there are many advocate groups working to achieve full health care coverage for all people regardless of immigration status.
It’s also important to know that even as an illegal immigrant, emergency healthcare (stabilization) is available to you. Under federal law, hospitals are required to assess your injury and ensure that you are stabilized.
Faith-Based Immigrant Support Networks
Diocesan Immigrant Support Network – A Catholic faith-based network that provides support for parishioners throughout the Catholic Church Diocese. The network is a great resource for finding peers with like interests, for sharing faith, and for those who seek to help promote awareness and reform on current immigration issues.
Human Trafficking
It’s an unpleasant issue to think about, but if you have been a victim of human trafficking, it’s important for you to receive support. Unfortunately, human trafficking is not uncommon and many immigrants coming into the U.S. from South America are being brought into the country by human traffickers and kept in awful conditions and many are forced to provide services or payments to their traffickers. If you have been the victim of a human trafficker or if someone you know needs help after a human trafficking incident, the Family Crisis Center in Los Angeles can help. You can also contact the following organizations:
- Coaliton to Abolish Slavery (CAST) in Los Angeles
- Community Service Program, Inc. (CSP) in Orange County
- Family Assistance Center Progam: Anti-Human Trafficking 24 Hour Hotline
- Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission, Central Valley Against Human Trafficking (CVAHT)
- Motivating, Inspiring, Supporting & Serving Sexually Exploited Youth (MISSEY)
You can find further resources throughout California at the website for the Office of the Attorney General.
Looking For Immigration Lawyers in California USA?
If you’re looking for immigration lawyers in California USA, Nelson Immigration Law can help. Located in Pasadena, California, we have helped many immigrants from around the globe to obtain legal residence in the state of California and we’d be happy to help you too. Start by getting in touch with us today at 626-683-3451!
