Perspectives by Elica Vafaie

Every Voice Shines New Light

The value of an idea increases exponentially when it’s shared. From our staff, partners and grantees to the people impacted by their efforts, each perspective offers new insight into the critical issues at the heart of our work.

Elica Vafaie Program Director, Immigrant Rights

Elica leads the Fund’s strategies and partnerships to build the power and amplify the voices of immigrants to find safety, opportunity, and representation in California and nationwide.

Let the Games Begin

June 10, 2026 | by

The World Cup is an Opportunity to Showcase Core Values and Democratic Principles

Haas Jr. partners are working to promote joy, welcome, and safety for fans, immigrant communities.

Every four years, I eagerly await the World Cup. Some of my best memories growing up involve gathering with community to watch matches and getting swept up in the excitement and joy of the game. Soccer is the…

Standing Up for Immigrants, Standing Up for Democracy

March 17, 2026 | by

What This Moment Is Calling on Us to Do

Community organizations are showing us what it means to build community, stand up for each other, link arms across issues, and stand up for democracy

Over the past several months, we’ve seen countless neighbors, friends, students, unions and businesses standing up for the rights and dignity of immigrants in this country. This is true not in just Minnesota, where…

Flag with the words "people united will never be defeated"

Building “Narrative Power” To Shift Policy and Opinion on Immigrants

September 29, 2025 | by

We need to put forward a clear, bold vision of belonging

The national narrative around immigrants is being shaped by misinformation and fear over facts—with real-world consequences.

Why This MattersImmigrants are core to the fabric of California and integral to every aspect of life in our state—powering innovation and economic growth, sustaining our food and health systems, and enriching our ne…

Collage of diverse people in bright colors displayed inside an old-fashioned television set on an orange patterned background.

It is Time to Tell a Powerful Story About Immigrants

September 29, 2025 | by

A conversation with Shauna Siggelkow at Define American

The cultural ground we stand on is contested—and reclaiming it is urgent.

For U.S. immigrants and their allies, families, neighbors, and friends, this is a time of bracing fear and uncertainty. A surge in unlawful arrests and deportations is wreaking havoc on families, communities and the…

Asylum supporters in a community demonstration

“The Stakes Could Not Be Higher” for Immigrant Communities

June 16, 2025 | by

Standing Up Boldly for Immigrant Legal Services

The Immigrant Defenders Law Center provides critical legal defense support, know-your-rights education, and connections to wraparound social services for more than 30,000 immigrants.

Since its founding 10 years ago, the Immigrant Defenders Law Center (known as ImmDef) has grown to become one of California’s largest providers of immigration legal services. A trailblazer in “universal representati…

A mother and daughter standing together at a community demonstration

Uniting for Immigrant Rights and a Just Future

March 12, 2025 | by

Rising Above Fear

Now is the time to practice courage, resilience, and collective action.

Leading the immigrant rights program at the Haas, Jr. Fund is an honor and, like many of you, I’ve had to dig deep to find my footing in these times. As the daughter of Iranian immigrants and an immigration lawyer,…

Group photo of ABIC members, partners, and advocates

Building Broad Alliances for Pro-Immigrant Change

September 23, 2024 | by

Business Coalition Joins with Labor, Immigrant Rights Groups to Build Momentum

The American Business Immigration Coalition is a partnership of 1,700 CEOs and employers across 21 states who are committed to common-sense immigration solutions.

In August, the Biden administration announced an executive order, Keeping Families Together, providing a legal pathway for eligible undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens. Estimates suggest that the prog…

Photo of a demonstrator whose shirt reads "Every Student, Every Worker, Every Person Deserves an Equal Opportunity to Succeed"

A Pathway to Opportunity Beyond DACA

June 12, 2024 | by

Students Across California Mobilize for Jobs, Work Authorization

The Opportunity for All campaign is breaking new legal ground so undocumented students can get hired for campus jobs with or without DACA status.

Jenny Kim graduated from UC Irvine in 2020 and will enroll in the fall in UCLA’s Master of Public Policy program. But Kim’s path through college and her journey to a secure and stable life and career have been compl…