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Need immigration help? Start at the LA public library
Branches of the LA Public Library offer immigration help in various languages.
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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.
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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.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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