Supporting Our Community

Since RILA began nearly nine years ago, our mission has always been to serve the most vulnerable immigrants in the Washington DC metropolitan area. As a part of that mission, we want to come alongside other organizations who also support the immigrant community. Since November, RILA has connected with a dozen new and existing partners who have questions about changes in immigration policy and want to care for their neighbors.

Many of these conversations have resulted in RILA giving a “Know Your Rights” presentation for our partners. These educational events inform individuals about their legal rights, immigration enforcement and how families can prepare for emergencies. And people have had a chance to share their concerns and ask questions to our staff. We have shared our legal expertise with churches, school and parent associations, social workers and a food distribution program. 

We believe empowering community members with knowledge multiplies our efforts to care for our area’s vulnerable immigrants at a time when the need is so pressing. Last month, our intake coordinator received a record 150 inquiries from people seeking immigration legal assistance. But what’s most encouraging is how many people in our area want to care for immigrants seeking refuge in our country. Since November, nearly 50 people have expressed interest in volunteering with us – more than double the interest in the same period a year ago. While there may be anxiety and uncertainty in the months ahead, we are not alone in our mission.