(ANAHEIM, CA, 1/11/17) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today applauded Los Angeles county for creating a new office that would address the growing needs of the immigrant community in the county.
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Hilda Solis and Sheila Kuehl co-sponsored the motion, which passed 4 -1, approving the formation of the Office of Immigrant Affairs in order to help immigrants receive county assistance.
The office will help immigrants find legal representation to fight deportation cases and assist them in identifying other social services. A detailed plan, with a budget and staffing levels, is expected to be proposed later this year.
As part of the motion, the board moved to have the county’s civilian oversight commission oversee the Sheriff's Department’s interactions with immigrants and make sure the department is adhering to its own immigrant-friendly policies. It also directed the Office of Education to plan for providing bilingual information on resources and rights of immigrant students to a “free public education, regardless of their immigration status.”
A broad based coalition of labor, faith, immigrant, and civil rights groups including CAIR-LA, gathered on the steps of the Hall of Administration to rally in support of the motion.
"In passing this motion, the Board of Supervisors has taken a concrete step toward protecting the immigrant population of Los Angeles County from threats of mass deportation and racial and religious discrimination." said CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush. "At a time of rising anti-immigrant rhetoric in our country, Los Angeles County sends a clear message that we value the rights and dignity of all people."
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Coordinator Ojaala Ahmad, oahmad@cair.com, 714-851-4851