Comprehensive Resources for Organizations Serving LA County Immigrants

Key Takeaways

• RepresentLA legal defense expands July 1, 2025, with LA County as main funder amid increased ICE enforcement.
• IRLA requests $20M for housing, $3M labor protections, and $12M pilot for basic income for immigrant seniors.
• California allocates $36.8M in 2024–25 for immigrant legal services; LA County explores Care First Community Investment funding.

Organizations serving immigrants in Los Angeles County face a fast-changing landscape in 2025. New funding, policy shifts, and expanded programs are shaping how nonprofits, legal clinics, and community groups can help immigrant communities. This reference guide provides a detailed, systematic overview of the latest resources, key stakeholders, funding streams, and practical steps for organizations working with immigrants in Los Angeles County. It is organized by recent developments, resource categories, funding and policy changes, access procedures, expert perspectives, and future outlook, with cross-references to official contacts and websites.

Purpose and Scope

This guide is designed to help organizations serving immigrants in Los Angeles County understand the current environment, access the right resources, and make the most of new opportunities. It covers:

• Major policy and funding changes from 2024–2025
• Key programs like the RepresentLA program and the role of the Office of Immigrant Affairs
• Main stakeholders and official contacts
• Resource directories and service networks
• Funding streams and policy updates
• Procedures for accessing resources and partnerships
• Expert analysis and multiple perspectives
• Future outlook and anticipated changes
• Official websites and contact information

1. Major Recent Developments (2024–2025)

Expansion of Legal Assistance: RepresentLA Program

RepresentLA is a central legal defense program for immigrants in Los Angeles County. On July 1, 2025, the LA County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to explore more funding and expand RepresentLA. This program provides legal help for immigrants facing deportation and supports other vulnerable groups needing legal relief.

Key points about the expansion:

• The motion was led by Supervisors Janice Hahn and Hilda L. Solis.
• The Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA) and Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) were directed to adapt RepresentLA to address the rise in ICE enforcement.
• The County is now the main funder of RepresentLA, taking over from a previous partnership with the City of Los Angeles and philanthropic groups.
• The County is seeking more funding, including from philanthropy and the Care First Community Investment (CFCI) fund.

This expansion means more immigrants in Los Angeles County can access legal defense, especially as federal support decreases and enforcement actions increase.

IRLA’s 2025 Immigrant-Centered Budget Requests

The Immigrants Are LA (IRLA) coalition is a major advocacy group pushing for more resources and fair policies for immigrants. In 2025, IRLA submitted several budget requests to the Board of Supervisors, including:

• Access to vital services: Making it easier for immigrants to get services, improving language access, and upgrading digital and transportation systems.
• Housing: Asking for $20 million to help 6,000–8,000 immigrant families at risk of homelessness, using Measure A funds to fill gaps.
• Worker protections: Requesting $3 million to grow the Office of Labor Enforcement (OLE) and start a study for a Worker Justice Fund.
• Social safety net for aging immigrants: Proposing a $12 million pilot for Guaranteed Basic Income ($1,000/month for undocumented seniors 65+) and $4 million to expand Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) services.

These requests reflect the growing needs of immigrant communities and the push for more local support as federal help declines.

2. Key Stakeholders and Official Contacts

A wide network of agencies, coalitions, and service providers work together to support immigrants in Los Angeles County. Here are the main stakeholders and how to contact them:

These contacts are essential for organizations looking to partner, refer clients, or access funding and technical support.

3. Resource Directories and Service Networks

Organizations in Los Angeles County can connect with a wide range of resources and service networks. These include official county programs, community-based organizations, and library-based services.

Official County Resources

• OIA Resource Navigation: Offers counseling, webinars, “Know Your Rights” trainings, and orientation sessions in multiple languages. Spanish sessions are held monthly; English and other languages are available upon request.
• Legal Assistance Hotlines:
  • Immigrant Defenders Law Center Rapid Response: 213-833-8283
  • CHIRLA Immigrant Assistance Line: 888-624-4752 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
  • Other providers: Neighborhood Legal Services of LA County, CARECEN, Immigrant Center for Women and Children, and more.

Health and Social Services

• My Health LA: Provides health care access for low-income, uninsured, undocumented immigrants. This program helps immigrants get basic medical care without fear of immigration consequences.
• Benefits Access for Immigrants LA (BAILA) Network: Helps immigrants enroll in Medi-Cal, nutrition programs, and other safety net services. BAILA also offers legal advice to help immigrants understand their eligibility and rights.

Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

• International Institute of Los Angeles (IILA): Offers legal help, child care, transportation, nutrition, and refugee resettlement, focusing on limited-English and low-income populations.
• African Communities Public Health Coalition: Provides free immigration legal consultations (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm).
• Other local networks: Boyle Heights Immigrant Rights Network, Long Beach Community Defense Network, Órale (Long Beach), People’s Struggle San Fernando Valley, Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice. These groups offer rapid response and legal support in their communities.

Library-Based Services

• New Americans Initiative (LA Public Library): Offers free immigration support, help with green card renewals, citizenship classes, and DACA guidance at multiple library branches. Appointments can be made by calling 213-228-7390.

These resources help organizations refer clients, build partnerships, and access up-to-date information on available services.

4. Funding Streams and Policy Changes

Understanding where funding comes from and how policies are changing is key for organizations planning new programs or expanding services.

State Funding: Immigration Services Funding (ISF) Program

• For 2024–2025, the State of California has allocated $36.8 million statewide for nonprofit legal services, outreach, and technical help.
• Organizations in Los Angeles County can apply for grants through the CDSS Immigration Services Funding Program.
• Funded services include legal consultations, DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) support, naturalization help, education, and outreach.

County Budget and CFCI Funds

• The LA County Board of Supervisors is considering using Care First Community Investment (CFCI) funds to expand legal defense and other immigrant services.
• A report on funding sources is expected during the Supplemental Budget process, which may open up new opportunities for organizations to receive county support.

These funding streams are vital for organizations looking to start or grow programs, especially as demand for services rises.

5. Procedures and Access Points for Organizations

Organizations can take several steps to access resources, form partnerships, and refer clients for services in Los Angeles County.

Partnering with OIA or Accessing County Resources

• Contact OIA: Call (800) 593-8222 or email [email protected] to discuss partnerships, resource navigation, or technical support.
• Attend OIA Orientations: Monthly sessions (in Spanish and other languages) provide updates on services and legal rights.

Applying for State ISF Grants

• Monitor CDSS Announcements: Check the CDSS ISF Program page for new Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
• Submit Proposals: Follow the latest guidelines and deadlines to apply for funding.

Referring Clients for Legal or Social Services

• Use Hotlines and Directories: Refer clients to the legal assistance hotlines listed above or direct them to OIA’s orientations and webinars.
• Connect with CBOs: Build relationships with local community-based organizations for rapid response and specialized support.

Joining Advocacy or Coalition Efforts

• Engage with IRLA: Join the Immigrants Are LA coalition to participate in budget advocacy and policy reform.
• Collaborate with Other Coalitions: Many local networks welcome new partners focused on immigrant rights and services.

These steps help organizations stay connected, informed, and ready to respond to changing needs.

6. Expert Analysis and Multiple Perspectives

The current environment in Los Angeles County is shaped by a mix of local leadership, community advocacy, and shifting federal policies.

• County officials like Supervisors Hahn and Solis stress the need for local action as federal support drops. They point to increased ICE activity and the strain on legal defense resources as reasons for expanding programs like RepresentLA.
• Community advocates highlight ongoing barriers, such as language differences, misinformation, and strict eligibility rules, especially for undocumented and older immigrants.
• Service providers report a sharp rise in demand for legal and social services in 2025, driven by recent enforcement actions and economic challenges.
• Philanthropic partners are being asked to help fill funding gaps as public resources are stretched thin.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these combined efforts show that Los Angeles County is working hard to protect and support its immigrant communities, even as challenges grow.

7. Future Outlook and Anticipated Changes

Looking ahead, several important changes and opportunities are expected for organizations serving immigrants in Los Angeles County.

• RepresentLA Expansion: New funding streams and possibly expanded eligibility for legal defense are expected in late 2025, depending on budget approvals.
• IRLA Budget Advocacy: Ongoing efforts by IRLA may lead to more county funding for housing, worker protections, and social safety net pilots.
• State ISF Grants: More rounds of funding are likely for 2025–2026, with a focus on building capacity and offering technical help to organizations.
• Policy Adaptation: County agencies are closely watching federal enforcement trends and adjusting local responses to meet new challenges.

Organizations should stay alert for updates from the Office of Immigrant Affairs, IRLA, and the CDSS to make sure they do not miss new funding or partnership opportunities.

8. Official Websites and Contact Information

For the most current information, organizations should use these official resources:

• LA County Office of Immigrant Affairs: oia.lacounty.gov | Phone: (800) 593-8222 | Email: [email protected]
• IRLA: immigrantsarela.com
• International Institute of Los Angeles: iilosangeles.org
• CDSS Immigration Services Funding: cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/immigration/immigration-services-funding
• LA Public Library New Americans Initiative: Phone: 213-228-7390

For official information on immigration forms, legal rights, and federal programs, organizations can also visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

Usage Guidance and Practical Steps

Organizations in Los Angeles County can use this guide to:

• Identify the right partners: Contact the Office of Immigrant Affairs, IRLA, or local CBOs for collaboration.
• Access funding: Apply for state ISF grants and monitor county budget updates for new opportunities.
• Refer clients: Use the listed hotlines, directories, and library services to connect immigrants with legal and social support.
• Stay informed: Attend OIA orientations, join advocacy coalitions, and subscribe to updates from key agencies.
• Prepare for changes: Watch for new funding rounds, policy shifts, and expanded programs like RepresentLA.

By following these steps, organizations can better serve immigrants, respond to new challenges, and make the most of available resources.

Cross-References and Further Reading

• For detailed program guidelines and funding announcements, visit the CDSS Immigration Services Funding page.
• For updates on local legal defense and advocacy, check the OIA website and IRLA website.
• For information on federal immigration forms and processes, refer to the USCIS website.

Conclusion

The landscape for organizations serving immigrants in Los Angeles County is changing quickly, with new funding, expanded legal defense, and strong advocacy efforts. Staying connected with the Office of Immigrant Affairs, the RepresentLA program, and advocacy groups like IRLA is essential for maximizing impact. By using the resources, contacts, and guidance in this reference, organizations can help ensure that immigrants in Los Angeles County receive the support and protection they need in 2025 and beyond.

Learn Today

RepresentLA → A Los Angeles County program providing legal defense for immigrants facing deportation and vulnerable groups.
Care First Community Investment → A fund aimed at supporting community investments including immigrant services in Los Angeles County.
IRLA (Immigrants Are LA) → A local advocacy coalition pushing for immigrant rights and equitable resource allocation in Los Angeles.
ICE Enforcement → Actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement targeting immigrants, increasing demand for legal defense services.
Immigration Services Funding (ISF) → California state grants providing legal and outreach funding for immigrant assistance programs.

This Article in a Nutshell

Los Angeles County rapidly expands immigrant services in 2025, boosting legal defense via RepresentLA. IRLA advocates for housing, labor protections, and social programs amid federal funding cuts. Agencies and community groups collaborate for effective immigrant support, leveraging growing state and county resources with guidance from expert partners across a dynamic policy landscape.
— By VisaVerge.com