El Camino College Offers Free Immigration Legal Services, Support

Press release from El Camino College:

June 23, 2020

El Camino College recently launched a new program that provides no-cost immigration legal services and support to students, faculty and staff.

Collaborating with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), El Camino is one of several community colleges in the state selected to participate in this program funded by the California Department of Social Services, as part of Assembly Bill 1809. The partnership with CHIRLA adds to the variety of services already in place to support El Camino College’s undocumented student population.

“El Camino has always been my sanctuary; adding CHIRLA into the mix, I can truly say that my potential as a student is now limitless,” said Erik Aparicio Abarca, president of the El Camino College UndocuWarriors Club.

After scheduling an appointment online, an attorney from CHIRLA will contact students, faculty and staff at the scheduled time for a full consultation.

“Partnering with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights will help us provide greater support to our college community,” said El Camino College President Dena P. Maloney. “El Camino College is committed to offering excellent comprehensive educational programs and services to all students, regardless of immigration status.”

All services and information available through the CHIRLA program are offered at no charge.

“El Camino College will always be student first, and equity is how we prioritize support,” said El Camino College Vice President of Student Services Ross Miyashiro. “Collaborating with CHIRLA is an example of how we operationalize our approach to equity for all students.”

Through AB 540 and undocumented student resources, El Camino College students also have access to assistance with DREAM Act and financial aid applications. Recent efforts have expanded to include high school outreach and student health workshops. The college’s Undocumented Student Task Force, established in 2016, facilitated the agreement with CHIRLA. The task force also organizes campus efforts year-round, providing information for students who need assistance, while collaborating with student organizations and academic divisions to connect students to resources.

CHIRLA is recognized as a national leader that represents and advocates for the interests of the immigrant and refugee community. The group offers low-cost legal services, advocacy, and community education, among other assistance programs.

For more information about El Camino College’s AB 540 and undocumented student resources, view https://www.elcamino.edu/student/studentservices/financialaid/ab540/.

This press release was produced by El Camino College. The views expressed here are the author's own.