Immigrants’ Rights
Public Counsel envisions a world where all (im)migrants live with dignity, power, and opportunity.
Throughout history, people have migrated in search of safety, opportunity, and refuge. Yet today, immigrant communities in the U.S. face relentless attacks, including discriminatory policies, unlawful arrests, and detentions that cause widespread fear and instability. Public Counsel practices holistic, trauma-informed advocacy, recognizing that our clients come to us with extraordinary strengths, but also vulnerability due to the violence many have experienced through forced migration and our dysfunctional immigration system. Our team of advocates collaborates with immigrant clients and communities to fight fearlessly for legal protections and a just immigration system.
Our Areas of Expertise
Our Approach
Public Counsel’s Immigrants’ Rights team provides trauma-informed, holistic legal advocacy for immigrant communities in Southern California. Recognizing our clients’ resilience as well as their vulnerability due to forced migration and unjust immigration policies, we help immigrants secure legal protections and thrive. We provide direct legal representation, advocate for humane immigration policies, and pursue litigation to challenge systemic abuses and structural injustices.
1
Direct Holistic Services
We provide comprehensive legal representation to immigrants, ensuring access to protections, benefits, and relief, while also offering workshops and “Know Your Rights” education to help communities proactively defend themselves against immigration enforcement.
2
Policy Advocacy
We advocate at local, state, and national levels to pass laws and ordinances, such as the Los Angeles Sanctuary Ordinance, that keep our communities safe, protect immigrants from harmful enforcement practices, and uphold dignity, safety, and justice for immigrants.
3
Impact Litigation
We lead strategic litigation to challenge unlawful government policies and actions, such as illegal detention schemes and attacks on sanctuary cities. Our legal actions aim to protect and expand the rights of immigrant communities, hold government agencies accountable, and dismantle discriminatory immigration practices.
Quick Stats
200+
Unaccompanied Children
Served through direct legal advocacy to provide stability, safety, and support
Dozens
of “Know Your Rights” Workshops
Held over the past year to educate communities on their rights when interacting with immigration officials.
Millions
Protected Through Advocacy
Our policy work and landmark lawsuits have defended the rights and safety of millions of immigrants locally and nationwide.
The Latest
Popular Resources
Guide
04/27/26
Know Your Rights: Immigration Enforcement in Public Spaces
We all have constitutional rights and state law protections in California, regardless of immigration status. This guide outlines those rights and protections and steps you can take to prepare in…
Learn MoreFAQs
01/23/25
FAQs on Nonprofit and Small Business Rights with Respect to Immigration Enforcement (ICE)
As a nonprofit or small business owner, it is critical to know your rights and responsibilities if immigration enforcement officials appear at your facility, office, or workplace. These FAQ address…
Learn MoreReport
06/05/26
Combating Notario Fraud in California: A Call to Action
Notario fraud, or the unauthorized practice of immigration law, causes grave harm to countless immigrants and is pervasive across California and the U.S. Too often, individuals who are not authorized…
Learn MoreGet Help
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