YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles (LA Y) can now provide affordable immigration law outreach, screening, referrals and application assistance, including limited representation, as the organization recently earned Department of Justice Recognition and Accreditation.
An organization is “recognized” when the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Office of Legal Access Programs (OLAP) gives a non-profit organization in the United States permission to practice immigration services through Accredited Representatives. With the demand for comprehensive legal advice higher than ever, this distinction positions the Y to directly assist and serve some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
The LA Y is now qualified to develop staff to act as Accredited Representatives which will increase the availability of competent immigration services for low-income and indigent persons, thereby promoting the effective and efficient administration of justice throughout the city and county of Los Angeles.
“This is a historic moment,” said YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles President & CEO Alan Hostrup. “In the past, this designation has only been held by one YMCA; now we are the second Y in the nation to enjoy this distinction. Recognition and accreditation is a part of our commitment to helping everyone reach their full potential to become happy, healthy, contributing members of society.”
Over an 8 month period, LA Y staff dedicated more than 550 hours to building the organization’s Immigration Integration program, studying immigration law, attending clinics and workshops and helping over100 individuals file their naturalization application. Serving over 4,000 individuals thus far, YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles looks forward to expanding its effort to assist the growing number of community members in need of these services.
If you, or anyone you know, are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) in need of assistance with the naturalization application, the LA Y can help. Email NAWC@ymcaLA.org, call (213) 808-2487 or visit Anderson Munger Family YMCA, Mid Valley Family YMCA, Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA, Southeast-Rio Vista YMCA, Weingart YMCA Wellness & Aquatic Center to get started.
Take the next step to becoming a United States citizen:
- Get help completing your naturalization application
- If eligible, get help requesting and completing a fee waiver
- Receive legal referrals, if needed
- Receive free test and interview study materials, such as the 100 USCIS Citizenship Interview Questions
At YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, we believe we are at our best when we are focused on equity and have fully integrated the practices of diversity, inclusion and global engagement. Guided by our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, we work to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.
