Advocacy and Resources
Free Immigration Legal Services by TODEC Legal Center
Free immigration legal services are available to students, staff and faculty affiliated with the Community Colleges, including College of the Desert. TODEC Legal Center is the service provider for the Inland Empire/Desert region. Priority for services is given to undocumented students, staff and faculty.
Basic immigration legal assistance includes:
- Legal Consultations to Screen for Immigration Relief
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Renewals
- Family-based petitions
- Naturalization/Citizenship applications
- DACA Filing Fee Assistance Fund
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has created a $3 million Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) filing fee assistance fund for individuals across the California Community Colleges. The fund will cover the $495 DACA application filing fees for students, faculty and staff affiliated with a California community college.
This service is provided by the Community College Immigration Legal Services program in collaboration with TODEC Legal Center and College of the Desert.
TODEC Legal Center
A local non-profit that provides free assistance with DACA and other immigration related services with offices in Perris and Coachella.
Immigrants Rising
An organization dedicated to empower undocumented young people to achieve educational and career goals through personal, institutional and policy transformation. Formerly known as Educators For Fair Consideration (E4FC).
The National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
An organization in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of immigrants.
United We Dream
The largest immigrant youth-led community in the country focusing on creating welcoming spaces for young people regardless of immigration status.
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
CHIRLA’s mission is to achieve a just society fully inclusive of immigrants.
UndocuBlack Network
The UndocuBlack Network (UBN) is a multigenerational network of currently and formerly undocumented Black people that fosters community, facilitates access to resources, and contributes to transforming the realities of our people, so we are thriving and living our fullest lives.
Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)
A Latino legal civil rights organization that promotes social change through advocacy, communications, community education, and litigation in the areas of education, employment, immigrant rights, and political access.
ASPIRE
The mission of ASPIRE is to empower undocumented Asian Pacific Islander youth and young adults to educate, advocate, organize, and mobilize for the rights of immigrant families. Our vision is to build an inclusive and socially just society.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
A resource center dedicated to educating immigrants, community organizations, and the legal sector to continue to build a democratic society that values diversity and the rights of all people.
Department of Homeland Security
Information on DACA from the official Website of the Department of Homeland Security.
California Immigrant Guide
This guide features services that help California immigrants thrive and succeed in their paths towards integration such as help with English language learning, workforce skill development, naturalization preparation or legal assistance.
COFEM
COFEM is a non-profit organization aimed at creating opportunities for Latino Immigrants in North America, with a special focus in California. COFEM was established by a league of organizations comprised of people who share ideas and participate in efforts to improve educational, health, social, and political conditions for Latino immigrants in North America.
CARECEN (Central American Resource Center)
As the largest Central American immigrant rights organization in the country, CARECEN empowers Central Americans and all immigrants by defending human and civil rights, working for social and economic justice, and promoting cultural diversity.
Korean Resource Center
The Korean Resource Center (KRC) was founded in 1983 to empower low-income, immigrant, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and communities of color in Southern California. Using a holistic approach, KRC strives to empower our community by integrating services, education, culture, organizing, and coalition building, all of which seek to improve the life of the individual and the community.
American Immigration Lawyers Association
Resource for locating immigration attorneys. AILA is the only legal association in the United States for immigration attorneys.
