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Become Activist

El Rescate empowers Immigrants

in particular Latinos, to improve their political and economic wellbeing

Become Activist

Providing a voice to Immigrant communities

in Los Angeles since 1981

Become Activist

Mission Statement

El Rescate Legal Services empowers immigrants, primarily Latinos, to improve their political and economic wellbeing in order to promote their full participation as citizens.

Vision

Help more families become citizens and promote their participation in civic and economic life in the United States.

Values

Compassion, Professionalism and Honesty

 

Our Work

Home

El Rescate by the numbers

We present you the results of our segmented services.

 

Types of services provided in 2023


Services provided by country in 2023


Services provided by gender identity 2023


 


El Rescate Changes lives

Over the years El Rescate has assisted more than 10,000 immigrants in the process of applying and receiving U.S. citizenship, with classes and paperwork including fee waiver forms.


Citizenship Classes


Other Services

Special Cases Needing Legal Representation

UAM (Unaccompanied Minors)

Some 3000 unaccompanied minors arrived in Los Angeles in 2014, were released to a parent or relative and awaited immigration hearings. Since then, El Rescate has represented over 500 minors in court. Some who have been abused or neglected are eligible for SIJS (Special Immigrant Juvenile Status).

U Visa

The U visa is a non-immigrant visa for victims of mental, physical, sexual or psychological abuse or crimes in the United States, and their immediate family members. This status is based on cooperation with law enforcement agencies in the arrest and prosecution of criminal offenders.

TPS (Temporary Protected Status) Adjustments

El Rescate is advising TPS recipients to apply for adjustments to become legal permanent residents through U.S. citizen children.

Deferred Action For Childhood Arrival (DACA)

DACA defers removal action of undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States without legal authorization by their parents as young children. Immigrants who were under the age of 31 as of June 14, 2012, who arrived before the age of 16 and have been physically present since June 15, 2007 and have obtained or will obtain a high school diploma or GED are eligible.

El Rescate has assisted over 1000 DACA recipients. This status allows individuals who are in removal proceedings, who have final orders of removal or who have never been in removal proceedings to obtain work authorization and to avoid deportation for two years. DACA status must be renewed and does not provide a direct path to lawful permanent residency or citizenship.


 

Legal Clinic “Charlas”

El Rescate hosts “charlas” every Wednesday (2-5) and some Saturdays (10-1). During the clinic El Rescate staff members give an overview of current immigration legal issues relative to the needs of the community. Following the presentation El Rescate staff and volunteer attorneys offer an opportunity for participants to receive a brief legal consultation regarding the specific needs of the individual. The clinic is free but participation is by appointment only; reservations must be made in advance.

Other Legal Services

Family Petition * Adjustment of Status * Appeals for INA * Asylum * Advance Parole * Cancellation of Removal * Change of Address * Change of Venue * Evidence of Request Responses * Affidavit of Support * Citizenship * Consultations * Inquiries * FOIA Requests * TPS Re-registration * NACARA * Motions to Reopen * Fiancé Visas * Waivers * Resident Card Renewal * Work Permit Renewal *

Get Involved

Events

Please visit our Facebook page for more information on upcoming events.


Index of
Accountability

The El Rescate Human Rights Department had staff on the ground in El Salvador from 1985-1995. During the two years leading up to the 1992 Peace Agreement, El Rescate staff in Los Angeles and El Salvador developed and collected data for a precedent-setting study of the Salvadoran military and of violations of human rights from 1980-1992.

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Community
Outreach

El Rescate participates in events at schools and churches and other venues to educate the immigrant community about their rights and our services, including citizenship classes.

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Research
 

Since 1980, approximately 2 million Salvadorans have become residents of foreign countries, principally the United States. While the 2000 U.S. Census recorded California’s Salvadoran population at about 273,000.

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