City of Costa Mesa
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Community Support Services
The City of Costa Mesa’s mission is to serve our residents, businesses, and visitors while promoting a safe, inclusive, and vibrant community. The City stands firmly by its core values of inclusivity and compassion for all members of our diverse community..
The City is committed to focusing on providing exceptional services to all residents, regardless of immigration status.
Disclaimer: This Community Support Services resource page provides general information. It is not legal advice.
ACLU of Southern California
The ACLU of Southern California works to protect the rights of all immigrants by fighting against unlawful detention, discrimination, and abuses by law enforcement. They advocate for fair hearings, access to legal help, humane detention conditions, and protection from unconstitutional searches and arrests.
Website: https://www.aclusocal.org/en/issues/immigrant-rights
CHIRLA- Immigrant Assistance Line
CHIRLA’s Immigrant Assistance line is a toll-free information line available Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., to refer community members to services from CHIRLA and partner organizations.
Website: www.chirla.org
Phone: (888) 624-4752
Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project
Provides legal orientations and consultations to community members both in person and virtually
Website: https://www.esperanza-la.org/
National Immigration Law Center
What to do if you are questioned, arrested or detained by immigration and other law enforcement.
Website: https://www.nilc.org/resources/know-your-rights-what-to-do-if-arrested-detained-immigration/
Phone: 213-639-3900
OC Rapid Response Network
24/7 Hotline for ICE activity, legal referrals, and emergency support.
Website: www.rapidresponseoc.org
Phone: (714) 881-1558
UCI Immigrant Legal Services
The UC Immigrant Legal Services Center provides free immigration-related legal services to students, as well as their immediate family members (spouse, siblings, children, and parents).
Website: dream.uci.edu/uc-immigrant-legal-services/
Phone: 530-219-7256
211
211 OC provides access to immigration law services, including assistance with visa applications and legal advice.
Dial: 2-1-1
Toll-free: 888-600-4357
Access California Services
Website: accesscal.org/case/citizenship-and-immigration/
Phone: 714-917-0440
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California
Safety preparation toolkit and multiple immigration support services.
Website: https://ajsocal.org/immigration/
California Department of Social Services (CDSS) – Immigration Services Bureau (ISB)
CDSS ISB develops, implements, and administers comprehensive programs that fund nonprofits across the State to provide free immigration legal services, education and community outreach, and other essential immigrant inclusion and integration efforts.
Website: cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/immigration
Phone: 916-651-8017
Catholic Charities of California
The Immigration Services Program (ISP) provides no-cost legal assistance to immigrants for affirmative remedies to achieve lawful permanent residency. Legal services include Naturalization application assistance, DACA renewal assistance, Adjustment of Status, Family-Based Immigration, U-Visa (Victims of Crime), VAWA (Domestic Violence) and more.
Website: https://catholiccharitiesca.org/our-programs/immigration-legal-program/
Phone: 888-924-2777
Catholic Charities of Orange County
CCOC Citizenship & Immigration Services is a DOJ (Department of Justice) accredited team that provides citizenship services, including free citizenship education, free or low-cost naturalization, and refugee services.
Website: ccoc.org/programs/human-services/immigration- citizenship-services
Phone: 714-347-9610
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
CHIRLA is recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and offers immigration legal services at low cost. Licensed attorneys supervise all legal staff, including accredited representatives and paralegals.
Website: chirla.org/what-we-do/programs-initiatives/legal-services/
Phone:213-353-1333
Community Legal Aid SoCal
The Immigration Unit helps immigrants who are survivors of domestic violence and crime victims navigate the legal system to ensure clients can live without constant fear of removal.
Website: communitylegalsocal.org
Phone: 714-571-5200
Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef)
ImmDef provides full‐scale deportation defense, legal representation, legal education, and connections to social services to individuals detained and non-detained adults and children in Southern California.
Website: www.immdef.org
International Rescue Committee
IRC provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in America.
Team is comprised of DOJ Accredited Representatives and an immigration attorney who assist our clients with a wide variety of immigration services including assistance with naturalization.
Website: rescue.org/united-states/los-angeles-ca
Phone: 818-550-6220
Korean Resource Center
KRC offers various types of social services on immigration, health, and housing to assist our low-income community.
Website:krcla.org
Phone: 714-869-7624
Law Help CA – Immigration Assistance
Provides information on rights, the law, and where to find legal services.
Website: www.lawhelpca.org/issues/immigration
Loyola Immigrant Justice Clinic
LIJC focuses on providing representation to individuals who are unable to obtain immigration legal services elsewhere with an emphasis on immigrants with certain immigration and criminal complications who reside in the East Los Angeles area.
Website: lls.edu/
Phone: 213-252-7409
Orange County Justice Fund (OCJF)
The OCJF is dedicated to empowering transformative change in the immigration system so the most vulnerable immigrants and refugees in Orange County, impacted by detention and deportation, are afforded effective legal representation, due process rights, and services for community re-integration.
Website: ocjusticefund.org
Phone: 714-340-5469
Public Law Center
PLC assists low-income immigrants of Orange County in providing consultations, filing for various forms of immigration relief with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), deportation defense in immigration court, and more.
Website: publiclawcenter.org/immigration/
Phone: 714-541-1010
UC Irvine School of Law Immigrant Rights Clinic
Clinic students, working under close faculty supervision, provide direct representation to immigrants on matters ranging from detention and deportation defense to workplace exploitation and protection of civil and constitutional rights of immigrants.
Website: law.uci.edu
Phone: 949-824-9646
UCI Immigrant Legal Services
The UC Immigrant Legal Services Center provides free immigration-related legal services to students, as well as their immediate family members (spouse, siblings, children, and parents).
Website: dream.uci.edu/uc-immigrant-legal-services/
Phone: 530-219-7256
Western State College of Law — Immigration and Deportation Defense Clinic
If you are a community member searching for legal representation or assistance, call 714-459-1196 or email wsclimmdefenseclinic@wsulaw.edu.
Website: wsulaw.edu/academics/immigration-and-deportation- defense-clinic/
Phone:888-349-9695
California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General
Know your immigration rights and protection under the law.
Website: oag.ca.gov
Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Red Cards
The ILRC’s Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home. They are available to print in 19 languages.
Website: ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas
NALEO Educational Fund
NALEO works to lower the cost of the citizenship application process and advocates for more reasonable English and civics requirements for older legal permanent residents. .
Website: www.naleo.org
Phone: (888) 839-8682
National Immigration Law Center
What to do if you are questioned, arrested or detained by immigration and other law enforcement.
Website: nilc.org
Phone: 213-639-3900
UC Irvine School of Law Immigrant Rights Clinic
Clinic students, working under close faculty supervision, provide direct representation to immigrants on matters ranging from detention and deportation defense to workplace exploitation and protection of civil and constitutional rights of immigrants.
Website: https://www.law.uci.edu/academics/real-life-learning/clinics/immigrant-rights.html
Phone: 949-824-9646
Access California Services
Website: accesscal.org/case/citizenship-and-immigration/
Phone: 714-917-0440
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California
Safety preparation toolkit and multiple immigration support services.
Website: ajsocal.org/immigration
Phone:888-349-9695
Camino Immigration Services
Camino Immigration Services provides legal assistance and connects immigrant families to essential resources. Their services include help with Green Card applications, citizenship, DACA renewals, fiancé petitions, adjustment of status, and work permits.
Website: https://www.caminoimmigrationservices.org/
Phone: 657-217-2365
Catholic Charities of California
The Immigration Services Program (ISP) provides no-cost legal assistance to immigrants for affirmative remedies to achieve lawful permanent residency. Legal services include Naturalization application assistance, DACA renewal assistance, Adjustment of Status, Family-Based Immigration, U-Visa (Victims of Crime), VAWA (Domestic Violence) and more.
Website: https://catholiccharitiesca.org/our-programs/immigration-legal-program/
Phone: 888-924-2777
Catholic Charities of Orange County
CCOC Citizenship & Immigration Services is a DOJ (Department of Justice) accredited team that provides citizenship services, including free citizenship education, free or low-cost naturalization, and refugee services.
Website: ccoc.org/programs/human-services/immigration- citizenship-services
Phone: 714-347-9610
Consulate of Mexico-Santa Ana
The Consulate of Mexico-Santa Ana supports Mexican nationals and their families by providing identity documents, civil-registry services, legal and protection assistance, document legalization, and visa services. They help preserve Mexican nationality abroad, register life events for Mexicans overseas, and assist in emergencies or legal matters.
Website: consulmex.sre.gob.mx/santaana/
Phone: 714-253-3906
International Rescue Committee
IRC provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in America. IRC is comprised of DOJ Accredited Representatives and an immigration attorney who assist our clients with a wide variety of immigration services, including assistance with naturalization.
Website: rescue.org/united-states/los-angeles-ca
Phone: 818-550-6220
Law Help CA – Immigration Assistance
Provides information on rights, the law, and where to find legal services.
Website: lawhelpca.org/issues/immigration
Phone: 714-253-3906
NALEO Educational Fund
NALEO works to lower the cost of the citizenship application process and advocates for more reasonable English and civics requirements for older legal permanent residents. .
Website: www.naleo.org
Phone: (888) 839-8682
World Relief Southern California
World Relief Southern California provides affordable, accredited immigration legal services to refugees, separated families, and immigrants navigating the complex path to legal status.
Website: https://worldrelief.org/socal/about-us/our-work/immigration-legal-services/
Phone: 714-210-4730
Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD)
Immigration information and preparedness resources for students and families, including legal rights, emergency planning, and trusted referral services.
Website: NMUSD Immigration Resources
Orange Coast College- UndocuScholars Program
The UndocuScholars Program offers a range of resources and support services tailored for undocumented students and those from mixed-status families.
Website: https://orangecoastcollege.edu/services-support/student-equity/daca/index.html
Phone: 714-714-7459
UCI Immigrant Legal Services
The UC Immigrant Legal Services Center provides free immigration-related legal services to students, as well as their immediate family members (spouse, siblings, children, and parents).
Website: dream.uci.edu/uc-immigrant-legal-services/
Phone: 530-219-7256
State of California- Immigration
All students, including those who are undocumented or come from immigrant families, have the right to:
· Attend public school
· Participate in school activities
· Receive a quality education without discrimination
Website: ca.gov/immigration
National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
Employer Guide: What to Do if Immigration Comes to Your Workplace
Provides preparation tips, I-9 compliance guidance, and legal protections for workers.
Website:https://www.nilc.org/wpcontent/uploads/2024/11/NELP_EmployerGuide_Eng_2025_Final-.pdf
Catholic Charities of California
The Immigration Services Program (ISP) provides no-cost legal assistance to immigrants for affirmative remedies to achieve lawful permanent residency. Legal services include Naturalization application assistance, DACA renewal assistance, Adjustment of Status, Family-Based Immigration, U-Visa (Victims of Crime), VAWA (Domestic Violence) and more.
Website: https://catholiccharitiesca.org/our-programs/immigration-legal-program/
Phone: 888-924-2777
CHIRLA- Humanitarian Response and Migrant Assistance
CHIRLA’s Humanitarian Response and Migrant Assistance program offers comprehensive support, including food, shelter, health assessments, legal orientations, mental health care, and family reunification.
Website: https://www.chirla.org/humanitarianresponse/
County of Orange Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs
The Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs’ mission is to build a more robust direct service infrastructure that promotes belonging, economic prosperity and equity of immigrants and refugees.
Website: https://www.ssa.ocgov.com/OIRA
Food Assistance Resources
Click here for a PDF listing of food assistance resources.
International Rescue Committee
IRC provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in America. IRC is comprised of DOJ Accredited Representatives and an immigration attorney who assist our clients with a wide variety of immigration services, including assistance with naturalization.
Website: rescue.org/united-states/los-angeles-ca
Phone: 818-550-6220
Korean Resource Center
KRC offers various types of social services on immigration, health, and housing to assist our low-income community.
Website:krcla.org
Phone: 714-869-7624
Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living
The Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living offers a range of supportive services for individuals and families, including family support services, referrals, individual and family counseling, as well as youth and parenting classes tailored to individual needs.
Website: hoag.org
Phone: 949-764-8100 ext. 53694
Resilience OC
Youth-led community organization advocating for immigrant justice and deportation defense.
Website: www.resilienceoc.org
Phone: (657) 205-6737
Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County
Second Harvest distributes food to Orange County community members in need through our Partner Network of almost 300 nonprofits, houses of worship, schools, colleges and universities, senior centers, etc. These partners and pantries then distribute it to their local neighbors. Click here for a PDF listing of pantries.
Website: feedoc.org
VietRISE
Immigration legal services, advocacy, and empowerment for Vietnamese and Southeast Asian communities.
Website: www.vietrise.org
Phone:(714) 477-2958
If you can’t get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly, your Senator or Congressional representative’s office may be able to help resolve a problem or get you the information you need.
U.S. Senator Alex Padilla
Website: padilla.senate.gov/services/agency-assistance/
U.S. Senator Adam Schiff
Website: schiff.senate.gov/helping-you/help-with-a-federal-agency/
U.S. Representative Dave Min
