From the beginning, this country was built by wave after wave of immigrants. People came to the US seeking opportunity, hope, and a better future for themselves and their families. At Canal Alliance, we understand that today’s immigrants are no different. They are workers, dreamers, doers, and innovators – and their diverse cultures enrich the social fabric of our whole community.
The current political climate is especially harsh for immigrants. Over the past two years, we have seen regular Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, in which large numbers of Canal residents are arrested and deported. In the Spring of 2009, the community began confronting an additional threat: any driver caught for any infraction - no matter how minor - is arrested, if she/he is unable to produce a license or other identification.".
Deportation can be devastating for families in our community. One of our clients, a mother of two, came in because her husband never returned home from work – only to discover that he was arrested for a burnt-out tail light and will most likely be deported, leaving her and the family without income. She cannot even visit him in the detention center without risking her own deportation. Another client is a teen, on track to graduate from high school, who was brought to the US as a toddler and has no memory of any other home. Another client is a man who came to the US fleeing political violence; he is certain he will risk his life if he is forced to return to his country of origin.
These, and many more situations like these, have generated a heavy demand for immigration legal services in the Canal neighborhood. Our goal is to make sure that undocumented immigrants have the information, advice, and support they need so that they can make every possible effort to secure legal status and continue their lives here.
For additional information about our Ensuring Legal Equity Program, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Attorney at Law, Immigration Department Director, at (415) 306-0420.
