Legal Support
About CARECEN
CARECEN (Central American Resource Center) has been advocating for immigrant rights since 1983, focusing on creating a more just immigration system and empowering immigrant communities. As the largest Central American immigrant rights organization in the U.S., CARECEN provides legal assistance, promotes social and economic justice, and fosters community activism on issues such as education reform, workers' rights, and cultural diversity. Their mission is to ensure all immigrants can live with dignity, achieve economic well-being, and gain social and political empowerment. For more information, visit their website at CARECEN.
Services
These services are available to current students, staff, and faculty. Services are available in person and by Zoom.
Free services will include:
- Consultations
- DACA Renewals
- Obtaining other Immigration Remedies (OIR)
- Assistance with the naturalization process
- And more...
To schedule an appointment, please visit findyourally.com and search for Los Angeles Trade-Technical College in the search box or visit the Dream Resource Center in E5-316 during business hours
Meet our Legal Team
Ricardo Corte, Staff Attorney
About Ricardo
Ricardo Corte is a staff attorney at the Central American Resource Center in Los Angeles, CA, working on their College Legal Services team. Ricardo attended Ohlone College and University of California, Berkeley, and he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Rhetoric. Ricardo also attended University of California, Irvine, School of Law, where he graduated with a juris doctorate. He has been licensed to practice law in California since 2022. In his free time, Ricardo enjoys his corgi, movies, TV, and reading.
Email: rcorte@carecen-la.org
Phone: (213) 385-7800 | Ext. 080
Estefania Campos, OLAP Accredited Representative
Estefania Campos is a OLAP accredited representative working at the College Legal Services team of the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) in Los Angeles, CA. Estefania attended California State University, Dominguez Hills, and she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Administration. She also has ambitions to go to law school. Prior to her current position she partnered with CARECEN College Legal Services for about a year by being a Legal Advocacy Fellow. Estefania enjoys the Summer weather, spending time with loved ones, and is an adrenaline junkie.
Email: ecampos@carecen-la.org
Phone: (213) 385-7800 | Ext. 076
LACCD's Know Your Rights
The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) offers important resources to help protect your rights as a student. Their "Know Your Rights" page provides valuable information about what to do if you are approached by immigration authorities, and how to access support through Dream Resource Centers at LACCD colleges.
Know Your Rights
California Rapid Response Networks
California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice's Rapid Response Networks connects local rapid response networks, legal service providers, and community-based organizations to protect immigrant communities from detention and deportation. California Rapid Response Networks helps ensure that those impacted by immigration enforcement have immediate access to legal support and know their rights.
CALIFORNIA RAPID RESPONSE NETWORKS
We Have Rights
We Have Rights is an empowerment campaign designed to educate individuals on safely defending their rights during encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The website offers multilingual resources, including videos and guides, covering scenarios such as ICE interactions at home, in the community, and during arrests. Additionally, it provides tools for creating emergency plans to ensure preparedness
We Have RightsLegal Advocacy
CHIRLA, Immigrants Rising, and Asian Law Caucus offer legal resources and support for undocumented students
Additional Resources
Explore more legal support resources that provide assistance with immigration services, DACA renewals, deportation defense, and other legal matters. These organizations offer guidance and support to help you navigate your legal rights and options. For more information, visit their websites provided below
The resources provided are referrals and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Los Angeles Trade-Tech College. For further assistance, contact the organization directly.
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) works to advance immigrant rights through legal education, advocacy, and policy reform. They provide resources, training, and support to immigrants, community organizations, and legal professionals to help navigate the immigration system. For more information, visit their website: ILRC.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps refugees and immigrants rebuild their lives by offering a range of services, including legal assistance, resettlement support, and career development programs. Their goal is to help individuals and families thrive in their new communities. For more information, visit their website: rescue.org.
California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice (CCIJ) works to protect and defend the rights of immigrants in California through legal services, community partnerships, and policy advocacy. They focus on supporting individuals in immigration detention and work to promote fairness and dignity for immigrant communities. For more information, visit: ccijustice.org
Korean Resource Center (KRC) supports immigrant and low-income communities through services like DACA renewals, citizenship help, and community education. They have locations in Los Angeles and Orange County, and offer assistance in multiple languages. For more information, visit krcla.org
Council of Mexican Federations in North America (COFEM) works to empower immigrant communities through advocacy, education, and leadership development. They offer resources like scholarships, immigration services, and civic engagement programs to support immigrant families. For more information, visit their website: www.cofem.org
United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led network in the U.S., empowering undocumented and immigrant youth to advocate for their rights and dignity. They offer resources on DACA, deportation defense, mental health, and more, fostering a community that is undocumented, unafraid, and undeniable. For more information, visit: unitedwedream.org
The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) provides comprehensive information and resources about DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), including updates on policies, legal guidance, and advocacy efforts to protect DACA recipients. Visit their website to learn more about DACA, how to apply, and the latest developments on DACA-related issues: nilc.org/work/daca/
Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) is a national nonprofit civil rights organization founded in 1968 to protect and defend the rights of Latinos in the United States. Often referred to as the "law firm of the Latino community," MALDEF promotes social change through advocacy, communications, community education, and litigation in areas such as education, employment, immigrant rights, and political access. For more information, visit: maldef.org
Immigration Law Help is an online directory that helps immigrants find free or low-cost legal services across the U.S. You can search for trusted legal help by city, state, or zip code. This tool is especially useful for finding immigration attorneys and accredited representatives in your area. For more information, visit: immigrationlawhelp.org
Immigrants Rising - Getting Legal Help guide helps undocumented students understand how to find trusted immigration legal support. It includes tips on what to expect, questions to ask, and how to avoid scams when looking for legal help. For more information, visit: immigrantsrising.org/resource/getting-legal-help
Bet Tzedek is a nonprofit law firm located in Los Angeles, dedicated to providing free legal services, education, and policy advocacy to individuals and families across Los Angeles County. Their services encompass various areas, including support for seniors and dependent adults, workers' rights, housing justice, and assistance for small business owners. Bet Tzedek also offers legal clinics and volunteer opportunities for those interested in contributing to their mission. For more information, visit: bettzedek.org
Services, Immigrant Rights, & Education Network (SIREN) empowers low-income immigrants and refugees in California through education, organizing, leadership development, policy advocacy, civic engagement, and legal services. They believe that all individuals, regardless of legal status, deserve dignity, rights, and full participation in society. For more information, visit: sirenimmigrantrights.org
The Dream Resource Center
Office Hours
Fall/Spring Hours
Monday–Thursday: 8 am–4:30 pm
Friday: 8 am–12 pm (virtual)
For virtual visits, click here for Cranium Cafe
Closed Holidays and Weekends
Location
E5-316
Contact
Dream Resource Center Office
Email: @email
Phone: (213) 763-5552
Social Media
Help empower undocumented and mixed-status students by supporting our programs and services. Make a donation today.