In 2006, after working in Orange County for many years, we opened a small office in Garden Grove. The Advancing Justice-Orange County office allowed us to expand our legal services in Orange County and help thousands of clients and callers, particularly those who are low-income or recent immigrants. Currently, we provide legal intake in seven Asian languages and have a Vietnamese immigration attorney located in Orange County. In 2016, we plan to expand our work providing immigration (including helping undocumented youth apply for deferred action status) and citizenship assistance as well as outreaching and enrolling low- and moderate-income AANHPIs in health insurance. We also provide support to local organizers fighting for district-based elections and Orange County organizations engaged in voter turnout activities.
As we enter the second decade or our Orange County office, we recognize the need for a stronger advocacy voice and presence for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in Orange County. Thus we are launching a new effort to engage with existing Orange County community groups, leaders, elected officials, media, etc., including the hiring of our first Orange County Regional Director and the creation of two advisory councils. With the support of key corporations, law firms, bar associations and foundations based in Orange County, we are re-envisioning our role in Orange County and building a coalition of diverse AANHPI community leaders and organizations who can work with us to address unmet needs, civically engage our communities, and advocate for racial and economic justice.
For 2016, we plan on expanding our work in the following areas:
-
Immigration assistance: Through clinics and individual representation, we will provide free assistance to AANHPIs who are in detention or have deportation orders, and also expand our services for undocumented immigrants who are eligible for the President’s executive relief (DACA) program. Learn more.
-
Citizenship assistance: Building on our successful workshops in Los Angeles County, we will increase free assistance to Orange County residents seeking to naturalize. Learn more.
-
Healthcare access: We will work with local community partners to outreach to and enroll low-income undocumented youth into a new state health insurance program, as well as generally continue to outreach and enroll AANHPIs in Covered California and Medi-Cal programs. Learn more.
-
Voting rights and voter engagement: We will continue to support AANHPI leaders and community groups in Fullerton and other Orange County cities facing district election challenges. And during this critical election year, we will be partnering with community partners to call and turn out thousands of AANHPI voters in Orange County as well as to monitor Orange County poll sites for compliance with laws requiring language assistance for voters. Learn more.
Orange County residents seeking legal assistance, please contact our toll-free helplines.
