Immigration Services
La Raza provides free or low cost services to immigrants and their relatives, primarily by providing assistance with the completion and filing of applications for immigration benefits. These include family petitions, applications for naturalization, requests to apply for or renew Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) renewal applications, and Green Card renewals, among others. La Raza also provides information and referrals to other organizations for services not offered at our office.
Our walk-in consultation day is Tuesday. Individuals are most likely to receive a consult if they arrive by 9am or 1pm, as space is limited. Appointments with attorneys are generally set 3-4 weeks out, for people who cannot come during walk-in hours.
Carl Larsen Santos, Immigration Program Coordinator / Immigration Attorney
As Immigration Program Coordinator, Carl oversees the various immigration projects at La Raza Community Resource Center. Carl is also an immigration attorney and provides direct legal services. He is licensed in California. Carl is originally from Puerto Rico and is fluent in English and Spanish.
Esperanza Meza, Immigration Paralegal
Esperanza Meza has worked as an immigration paralegal at La Raza CRC for many decades. She received immigration paralegal training at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) for many years, and primarily prepares immigration forms for affirmative applicants for immigration benefits. She is from Nicaragua.
Susana Portillo, Administrative Assistant
Susana Portillo is the office receptionist and handles appointments and schedules for La Raza CRC’s immigration attorneys. Susana provides additional program support through client intake, data entry, and document translation. She is originally from Mexico and she is fluent in English and Spanish.