Interfaith Refugee & Immigration Service (IRIS) of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles

Since it was first established in 2005, IRIS has helped nearly 10,000 refugees find hope, hospitality, and a safe haven in the Los Angeles. As the Southern California affiliate of  Episcopal Migration Ministries, IRIS partners with the U.S. Department of State to provide protection, relief, and long-term solutions for refugees and conflict victims who seek sanctuary from persecution.

Each year IRIS resettles hundreds of refugees who are fleeing war, persecution, violence, or genocide. Many of these refugees have been persecuted on the basis of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Resettlement is not as easy as it may seem. IRIS provides a range of programs that empower newly-arrived refugees with support necessary for successfully starting new lives in Southern California. IRIS provides its clients with services and items they’ll need during their initial months in the United States including housing assistance, transportation, cultural and community orientation classes, social services, community support, connections to English classes, job training, health care, school enrollment, and legal services.  The legal services our office provides includes: family reunification, work authorization, permanent residency and United States Citizenship. All services are provided in a compassionate, non-threatening environment with the goal of helping refugees become self-sufficient, thriving new members of our community.

When refugees arrive in the United States, their journeys are not over. Their journeys of flight have ended, but a journey of new beginnings has just begun.

IRIS is a Department of Justice (DOJ)  recognized office with accredited staff and an on-staff immigration attorney. IRIS provides its clients with professional services and assistance in navigating today’s complex immigration system. IRIS is a member of the National New Americans Campaign, a groundbreaking national network of legal-service providers, faith-based organizations, businesses, foundations, and community leaders that is paving a better road to citizenship.

Despite the current challenges our country is facing surrounding COVID-19, Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service (IRIS) remains dedicated to providing services to refugees, immigrants, and asylees. Since the middle of March, our staff has practiced social distancing measures by assisting clients remotely via telephone and video.

While our office is closed to the public until further notice, we will continue offering legal and resettlement services to those in our network. Since the placement of refugees has been postponed until the end of April, our attention will be directed towards clients currently present in this country. We are also closely working with the Ecumenical Collaboration of Asylum Seekers (ECAS) to secure the health and safety of vulnerable detainees by ensuring their release from Adelanto.

The services we provide include:

• ·         Citizenship
• ·         Adjustment of Status
• ·         Family Reunification
• ·         Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
• ·         Temporary Protected Status
• ·         Consular Processing
• ·         Travel Documents
• ·         Advance Parole
• ·         Employment Documents
• ·         Special Immigrant/Religious Worker
• ·         Notary Services
• ·         One on one case consultations
• ·         And more….

Clients are welcome to schedule appointments for regular services by calling or e-mailing our office. Staff can also be contacted during normal business hours by their distinct e-mails and extensions. We encourage our clients to connect with tech-savvy family members to access telecommunication services such as zoom. Anyone looking to apply for our services, must call our office at (323) 667-0489 to register for services. We will be serving clients online until further notice. 

Since 2005 IRIS has offered a food pantry to its clients and the community. IRIS’ food pantry is offered on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. For more information on how to be involved contact us at (323) 667-0489 ext. 120 or iris@ladiocese.org

Due to concerns surrounding COVID-19, our office is closed which means food pantries are postponed until further notice. We will reopen these services when it is safe to do so.

English Language and Senior Networking classes for refugee and asylee seniors. IRIS provides conversational English classes to older refugees in a fun and easy to learn environment. In addition to basic ESL the class covers a variety of topics including conversational vocab, current affairs, and American history.  Classes provide support and referrals to other services in the community available to refugee seniors. 

DUE TO COVID-19, ALL CLASSES ARE POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. 

Learning the English language is one of the most difficult and important challenges facing newly arrived refugees and immigrants.  IRIS offers English classes to help with successful integration to American life. Teaching positions are limited. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us by phone at: (323) 667-0489 ext. 120 or by email at iris@ladiocese.org

DUE TO COVID-19, ALL CLASSES ARE POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.