Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass achieved a significant victory this week as the Department of Homeland Security announced federal backing for local immigrant aid groups, marking a steep progression in support for migrants who've established new roots in the city. In a drive to enhance the resources available to recently-arrived immigrant families, the federal funding will bolster the efforts of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Clínica Romero, and the Central American Resource Center, which have been instrumental in providing initial support services such as legal aid, healthcare, and housing assistance.
These organizations, which have long been acknowledged for their unwavering commitment to migrant welfare, hailed the development, "The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Clínica Romero, and the Central American Resource Center have been on the frontlines providing assistance to new immigrant arrivals in our city,” Mayor Bass stated. Moreover, in a combined effort, the Mayor personally sought the support of high-ranking officials including DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Acting Deputy Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security Kristie Canegallo, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.
Each of the three community partners expressed gratitude and a renewed commitment to serving immigrant families. "We are committed with these resources to continue to receive our migrant community with efficiency and dignity they deserve," Angelica Salas, Executive Director of CHIRLA, told the mayor's news page. And affirming the united sentiment, Martha Arevalo, CARECEN-LA's Executive Director, highlighted the dignity aspect by saying, "This support will be critical in helping us to continue to do the necessary humanitarian relief services and show how the community shows up for each other."
The support is not simply a monetary contribution it is an acknowledgment of healthcare as a fundamental right, as underscored by Carlos Vaquerano, Chief Executive Officer of Clínica Romero, "This support will empower us to continue providing essential medical services to immigrant families as they arrive in our city, ensuring that they receive the care and dignity they deserve. We are committed to working closely with the city, county, and our community partners to create a healthier future for all," he conveyed, echoing the organization's commitment to healthcare access.
