Learn about your legal rights
 Serving
the immigrant community
since 1981 El Rescate Legal Services empowers immigrants to improve their political and economic wellbeing in order to promote their full participation as citizens. Who Are We
 Providing a voice to the immigrant community of Los Angeles since 1981 What we do
OUR VALUES

Compassion, Professionalism
and Honesty

El Rescate Legal Services empowers immigrants, primarily Latinos, to improve their political and economic wellbeing in order to promote their full participation as citizens.

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El Rescate Changes Lives

Over the years El Rescate has assisted more than 10,000 immigrants in the process of applying and receiving U.S. citizenship, with classes and paperwork including fee waiver forms.

Our Vision: To help more families become citizens and promote their participation in civic and economic life in the United States.
OUR STORY

What We Do

By providing accessible resources, legal assistance, and educational programs, we can empower families to navigate the naturalization process and fully participate in American society.

Legal
Services

El Rescate is a voice for the voiceless, serving those who cannot afford legal aid. Our services cost 50-75% less than private immigration services.
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Asylum
Program

El Rescate provides representation to individuals seeking asylum in the United States based on past persecution or a well-founded fear of future persecution.
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Vawa
Program

El Rescate provides legal representation to immigrant men, women and children who have been physically abused or subjected to extreme mental cruelty.
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How we help

A future full
of choices

Special Cases Needing Legal Representation

UAM (Unaccompanied Minors)
They do medication and refer patients to a program just as they do any other specialty and improve health to people who are seeking medical care. Some 3000 unaccompanied minors arrived in Los Angeles in 2014, were released to a parent or relative and awaited immigration hearings. Since then, El Rescate has represented over 500 minors in court. Some who have been abused or neglected are eligible for SIJS (Special Immigrant Juvenile Status).

U Visa
The U visa is a non-immigrant visa for victims of mental, physical, sexual or psychological abuse or crimes in the United States, and their immediate family members. This status is based on cooperation with law enforcement agencies in the arrest and prosecution of criminal offenders.

TPS (Temporary Protected Status) Adjustments
El Rescate is advising TPS recipients to apply for adjustments to become legal permanent residents through U.S. citizen children.

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Deferred Action For Childhood Arrival (DACA)

DACA defers removal action of undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States without legal authorization by their parents as young children.
Immigrants who were under the age of 31 as of June 14, 2012, who arrived before the age of 16 and have been physically present since June 15, 2007 and have obtained or will obtain a high school diploma or GED are eligible.

El Rescate has assisted over 1000 DACA recipients. This status allows individuals who are in removal proceedings, who have final orders of removal or who have never been in removal proceedings to obtain work authorization and to avoid deportation for two years. DACA status must be renewed and does not provide a direct path to lawful permanent residency or citizenship.
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Legal Clinic “Charlas”

El Rescate hosts “charlas” every Wednesday (2-5) and some Saturdays (10-1).

During the clinic El Rescate staff members give an overview of current immigration legal issues relative to the needs of the community. Following the presentation El Rescate staff and volunteer attorneys offer an opportunity for participants to receive a brief legal consultation regarding the specific needs of the individual. The clinic is free but participation is by appointment only; reservations must be made in advance.
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Other Legal Services

Family Petition * Adjustment of Status * Appeals for INA * Asylum * Advance Parole * Cancellation of Removal * Change of Address * Change of Venue * Evidence of Request Responses * Affidavit of Support * Citizenship * Consultations * Inquiries * FOIA Requests * TPS Re-registration * NACARA * Motions to Reopen * Fiancé Visas * Waivers * Resident Card Renewal * Work Permit Renewal *
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Our Latest

News and Stories

Stay updated with our latest news, inspiring stories, and upcoming seminars. Explore how we’re making an impact and join us in supporting the immigrant community.

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INSAMI presents its medical work in the U.S. | Alliances for the health of migrants and returnees

🌍 When health and solidarity cross borders

Dr. Jizi Moza, Executive Director of INSAMI and the CLAIR Clinic, together with Dr. Violeta López, pediatrician at the same clinic, visited Los Angeles and Duarte, California, to present the impact of the medical program that serves returnees and migrants in transit in El Salvador.

During their tour, they met with leaders from El Rescate, SALEF, Clínica Monseñor Romero, West LA College, and the City of Duarte, building bridges of collaboration that are already bearing fruit.

🤝 Funds were raised, medical supplies were donated, and key alliances were established to continue protecting those who need it most.

INSAMI and CLAIR continue to show that caring for health is also defending dignity.

📌 Learn more about their work and how to support this mission.

📞 info@elrescate.org
🌐 www.elrescate.org

INSAMI presents its medical work in the U.S. | Alliances for the health of migrants and returnees

🌍 When health and solidarity cross borders

Dr. Jizi Moza, Executive Director of INSAMI and the CLAIR Clinic, together with Dr. Violeta López, pediatrician at the same clinic, visited Los Angeles and Duarte, California, to present the impact of the medical program that serves returnees and migrants in transit in El Salvador.

During their tour, they met with leaders from El Rescate, SALEF, Clínica Monseñor Romero, West LA College, and the City of Duarte, building bridges of collaboration that are already bearing fruit.

🤝 Funds were raised, medical supplies were donated, and key alliances were established to continue protecting those who need it most.

INSAMI and CLAIR continue to show that caring for health is also defending dignity.

📌 Learn more about their work and how to support this mission.

📞 info@elrescate.org
🌐 www.elrescate.org

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Social Media

We need your help.

Featured Campaigns

El Rescate is committed to defending our community’s rights through a variety of targeted campaigns and educational programs.

You can make a difference for individuals and families with your participation.
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Index of Accountability

With this donation, you will get access granted to historical documents that can be of great help in legal cases

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Campaign: Stop Cruelty

New immigration policies are tearing families apart and putting thousands at risk of deportation. We cannot stand by and do nothing.

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Dual Enrollment Webinar

We the People nurtures the leaders of tomorrow by cultivating civic engagement and an appreciation for our diversity!

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El Rescate in Numbers

Services Provided during 2024

78

I-589 Asylum

1243

Court Hearings

5099

Consultations

111

DACA Renewals

114

TPS Renewals

1950

N-400

129

I-90 Renewals

151

U-VISA

169

NVC

14

Court Case Followups

145

I-130 Petitions

39

Status Adjustments

324

EAD Renewals I-765

11

I-601 Professional Waivers

22

Change of Venue

19

Advanced Paroles

170

I-360 SIJS

19

TPS Initial

145

I-130 Petition

3

Other

Services Provided By Gender

5638

4549

El Rescate in Pictures

Explore our Media Gallery, which is regularly updated with our latest initiatives and events. It’s a great way to stay informed about what’s happening at El Rescate. For real-time updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram
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For real-time updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram
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Making a Difference

Responding to the Community

Discover how El Rescate reaches out to the immigrant community

Index of Accountability

The El Rescate Human Rights Department had staff on the ground in El Salvador from 1985-1995. During the two years leading up to the 1992 Peace Agreement, El Rescate staff in Los Angeles and El Salvador developed and collected data for a precedent-setting study of the Salvadoran military and of violations of human rights from 1980-1992.

Community Outreach

El Rescate participates in events at schools and churches and other venues to educate the immigrant community about their rights and our services, including citizenship classes.

Research

Since 1980, approximately 2 million Salvadorans have become residents of foreign countries, principally the United States. While the 2000 U.S. Census recorded California’s Salvadoran population at about 273,000.

Archive

Additional research material

Learn more about El Rescate, our history, our background, and academic contributions

El Rescate Collection, 1977-2016

This collection documents the work of the El Rescate organization, including the Human Rights Department within the organization. The materials document the history of the Salvadoran Civil War and post-war period.. Notably the collection houses […]

The Historical Archives

In August 2019 El Rescate donated its historic archives to California State University Northridge (CSUN) Oviatt Library Special Collections. The resource now available to students and scholars includes primary source material for the Index to […]

The Death Squads in El Salvador

In 1994 El Rescate in El Salvador anonymously published “Los Escuadrones de la muerte en El Salvador,” a compilation of U.S. journalists’ investigations into the civilian-military death squads that operated with impunity from the late […]

Our Story

Founded in 1981 by members of the Santana Chirino Amaya Refugee Committee (SCARC) and the Southern California Ecumenical Council, El Rescate was the first agency in the United States to respond with free legal and […]

Administration Index

In an effort to fully commit to transparency and ensure open communication, we proudly present a comprehensive directory of our representatives from our directive, program, and legal teams, to provide clear insight into the individuals […]

Resources & Offices

For your convenience, we provide contact information for our allied consulates and the allied clinic, ensuring accessible support and assistance whenever needed.

Research

Since 1980, approximately 2 million Salvadorans have become residents of foreign countries, principally the United States. While the 2000 U.S. Census recorded California’s Salvadoran population at about 273,000, the University of Albany’s Mumford Institute, using other survey methods, found it closer to 500,000. Scholars and community leaders say persistent waves of immigration since 2000 may have significantly increased that figure. In modern development terms, these immigrants are referred to as the Diaspora.
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Explore our collection of videos showcasing our mission, programs, and the impact of our work in supporting the immigrant community.

El Rescate in Multimedia

Watch Videos

Connecting

Our videos offer an inside look at the initiatives, events, and advocacy efforts that drive our organization forward. From community outreach programs to legal assistance and cultural events, these videos highlight the dedication and passion behind our work.

Educating

Through these visual stories, we aim to share the voices, experiences, and successes of the immigrant community. Whether you’re looking to learn more about our programs or see the impact of our efforts firsthand, our video library provides an engaging way to connect with our mission.

 

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    Where to find us

    Address: 1605 W. Olympic Blvd. Suite 516, Los Angeles CA 90015

    Mail: P.O. Box 57036, Los Angeles, 90057

    Phone: (213) 387-3284

    Email: contact@elrescate.org

    Our Sponsors and Partners

    To all our sponsors and academic partners, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation for your steadfast support and collaboration. Your contributions have been instrumental in our achievements.