Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
Need immigration help? Start at the LA public library
Branches of the LA Public Library offer immigration help in various languages.
(
Wikimedia Commons
)
Topline:
L.A.’s public libraries often become spaces that help the community at times of need: cooling centers, disaster relief, homelessness services. And since 2018, the New American Initiative from the LA Public Library system has been helping immigrants with free services like DACA renewals, green cards and citizenship classes.
Why now? The program currently offers free help with legal experts in various languages — Korean, Spanish and Farsi — at several library branches, including Echo Park, Pacoima and downtown L.A. The library also offer consultations and information over the phone.
What services do they provide? Most of their one-on-one services are immigration-based, such as green card applications, work permit renewal and citizenship application assistance. But they also provide other help, like financial planning, small business consultation, tenant rights and Freedom of Information Act requests.
How do I sign up? They offer in-person appointments at branches or via phone. You can schedule an appointment on the library website. For questions, you can leave a voice message at (213) 228-7390.
More about the program: Citizenship application services have been provided via the library system since 2012, helping more than 87,000 people. The New American Initiative kicked off in 2018 during President Donald Trump’s first term.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
