Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles

“I’ve seen exploitation, verbal and physical abuse, discrimination.” “I thought that as an immigrant I didn’t have rights.” 

The comments are from two Los Angeles-area household workers – and the reason they are speaking up is because of their association with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA).  Since it was established in 1986, CHIRLA has worked to educate immigrants about their rights and how to protect them.

“It has changed my life to learn to defend myself and demand my rights at work,” said one of the women.  She added: “If we organize, people will listen.”

CHIRLA’s “Stop the Raids” campaign is engaging immigrant workers and their supporters throughout California in an effort to document and prevent violations of human and civil rights in government immigration enforcement activities.  CHIRLA also is working to develop future leaders for the immigrant rights movement through programs on high school and college campuses.

In addition to its local and statewide activities, CHIRLA continues to play a major role in the national debate on comprehensive immigration reform – primarily through the advocacy of its respected leader, Angelica Salas.  Using general support from the Haas, Jr. Fund, the organization continues its efforts to build immigrant leadership, increase civic participation and organize immigrants to protect their rights.

“CHIRLA is a bridge that connects local, state and national efforts to protect immigrant rights,” said Cathy Cha, senior program officer for immigrant rights and integration with the Haas, Jr. Fund.  “The organization brings an important grassroots voice to the cause.”