On Nov. 8, an immigration legal clinic is being held for Orange County residents. Hosted by four organizations — OC Justice Fund (OCJF), United Food and Commercial Workers Local 324 (UFCW), Harbor Institute, and CAIR-CA — it offers a free consultation with a private firm, providing specific, legal advice based on goals, history, and availability.
The clinic and its supplementary resources on OC Digital Sources advise on topics from citizenship and work permits to natural rights and permitting others to take care of one’s children. Eligible for Orange County residents and UFCW members, and their families, the clinic will be held at Buena Park, with more specific information given after filling out the interest form on Gmail or ParentSquare.
“This is one of the many different community initiatives happening to support our families. It’s important to stay informed, not to spread misinformation or fear during these times,” Ms. Ortega, Oxford’s Family and Community Engagement Specialist (FACES), said.
Events like the clinic are kept local: the hoster contacts the school in order for the school to promote the event. After OCJF prepared the clinic, it contacted Oxford Academy, who sent out the flyer on Gmail and ParentSquare.
“It’s also always important to verify the promotion guidelines when there is a community event or resource. Some events are more of an internal resource because of the sensitivity around the topic,” Ms. Ortega said.
The clinic aims to help people who need advice but may not have easily accessible opportunities. From that advice, they can seek legal representation or apply for something that supports their individual situation, aided by the four organizations hosting it and their similar goals.
Its organizers all aim to support various communities. OCJF is a nonprofit helping immigrants and refugees receive legal help and gain awareness on their rights, helping them connect with their community. UFCW is another nonprofit labor union fighting for better wages and conditions for workers through rights and representation. Harbor Institute strives to connect people of different ethnicities and establish “progressive public policies in Orange County.” CAIR-CA is a collective movement giving Muslims more political representation and “offer[ing] legal representation to individuals facing discrimination or hate crimes.”
“Even though this type of topic may not necessarily affect someone individually, the fact that maybe a friend or a neighbor may be going through their own challenges, fears, or stresses, that we can embrace our community with empathy and encouragement,” Ms. Ortega said.
