Reaching Immigrants and Refugees

Region 10

California has long been home to immigrants and refugees who support the State’s economy in many ways. As neighbors, business owners, taxpayers, and workers, immigrants and refugees are an integral part of California’s diverse and thriving communities and make extensive contributions benefiting all Californians.

Children in mixed-status families worry about deportation of a parent or family member, especially within targeted communities, such as racial or ethnic minorities like Haitians, LGBTQ+, DACA recipients, and others who feel unsafe. Nonprofit organizations are stretched to meet the basic needs of food, shelter, and safety, especially since the pandemic.

Staff and volunteers are emotionally drained from navigating the balance between serving communities, compassion fatigue, and long-term sustainability.

San Diego and Imperial Counties straddle one of the busiest border crossings in the world. Due to their proximity to the border, community- based organizations are on the frontlines of providing essential information, support, basic needs, and services to growing populations of newcomers from various countries and cultures.

They include asylum seekers, refugees, temporary or permanent residents, and migrant workers. They are faced with navigating immigration laws, as well as finding housing, employment, healthcare, and education opportunities.

Some of these community-based organizations partner with smaller, ethnic-based organizations to expand their reach and presence in different languages.