Californians for Human Immigrant Rights Leadership Action Fund

Issue Advocacy: The CHIRLA Action Fund was founded to advance the rights of immigrants at the local, state and federal level by supporting candidates, legislation and ballot initiatives that create a just society, fully inclusive of immigrants. In 2023, the CHIRLA Action Fund advanced legislative issue campaigns at the state and federal level. At the state level CHIRLA Action Fund advocated for the inclusion of immigrant undocumented seniors in the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) AB1536, the creation of Dream Resource Centers in California high schools (AB278) as well as other legislation the advanced the rights of immigrants and their families. CHIRLA Action Fund held an advocacy day in April of 2023 at the state capital to advance these important issue campaigns. At the national level CHIRLA Action Fund continued to advocate for just and humane immigration reform, the protection of asylum as a domestic and international right, family unification and advocated for increased investment in immigrant integration and citizenship. CHIRLA Action Fund spearheaded the "All in for Registry" campaign that seeks to provide a path to citizenship for immigrants who have remained undocumented, without a congressional action on this urgent matter. CHIRLA Action Fund engaged in advocacy activities and constituent delegations to educate elected officials on the need to update the registry date through bill in the House and Senate (HR 1511 and S.2606). CHIRLA Action Fund worked with over 150 community, immigrant, labor and faith organizations to advance registry as a solution for millions of undocumented individuals and their families.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT & ELECTORAL ORGANIZING: In 2023, CHIRLA Action Fund launched its Power Academy to train and develop the leadership skills of community members to participate and lead electoral campaigns. Over 20 individuals were trained to lead canvassing, phone banking and communications campaigns and will help lead our work in the 2024 electoral cycle. Additionally, phone banking and canvassing activities were implemented to educate individuals about resources and services to deal with the housing crisis facing Los Angeles County. Finally, CHIRLA Action Fund engaged the three pro immigrant candidates for the California Senate seat to understand the contributions and needs of immigrants in California. This educational process culminated in a 450-person townhall attended by Adam Schiff, Barbara Lee and Katie Porter in November 2023. In this townhall the candidates heard the stories of individuals from throughout the state of California and provided solutions that will build a California for all inclusive of immigrant families.