Los Angeles Public Library Expands Free Immigration Help Across Branches

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Key Takeaways

• Starting in 2024, seven LAPL libraries host New Americans Centers offering free on-site immigration services, including Green Card and DACA assistance.
• Services are confidential, free for California residents, and available in multiple languages with appointments via 213-228-7390 or online.
• Citizenship classes for Green Card holders include 10- to 12-week courses in English or Spanish with virtual and in-person options.

The Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) system has introduced an impactful initiative to support the immigrant population in the city by offering free on-site immigration services at select library locations. This effort, called the New Americans Initiative, provides immigrants with vital resources to navigate various stages of the immigration process. Here is a detailed look at what this program entails, its available services, and its broader impact.

New Americans Centers

Los Angeles Public Library Expands Free Immigration Help Across Branches

As of 2024, seven libraries in the LAPL system host New Americans Centers. These are:

Central Library
Pacoima Branch
Junipero Serra Branch
Pio Pico Koreatown Branch
Benjamin Franklin Branch (temporarily closed)
Echo Park Branch
Wilmington Branch

These centers provide on-site immigration services free of charge during specified hours. Delivered by trained immigration specialists and Department of Justice (DOJ)-certified library staff, these services have been designed to meet the diverse needs of Los Angeles’ immigrant communities.

Available Services

Each New Americans Center offers immigrants a wide range of support. Some of the primary services available include:

Adjustment of status
Green Card renewal (Form I-90)
Family preparedness and guardianship instructions
Assistance with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) renewals
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) support
Citizenship application assistance (Form N-400)
Family reunification consultation and filing for family members (Form I-130)
Work permit renewal (EAD Form I-765)
Help with Green Card-related processes, including Form I-485
Guidance for FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests

These services are designed to be practical and tailored to the specific challenges immigrants face, especially for those navigating confusing paperwork or complex legal processes.

Appointment System and Language Support

To ensure access to these services, LAPL has implemented a simple appointment system. Immigrants can schedule an appointment either online or by calling 213-228-7390. Each session lasts 60 minutes and is available for in-person or phone consultations. Privacy and confidentiality are guaranteed.

Recognizing the city’s cultural diversity, the Los Angeles Public Library provides support in multiple languages tailored to the needs of various ethnic communities. For example, individuals who speak Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, or Farsi can leave messages in their preferred language. Further assistance is offered through a collaboration with Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California, which provides help for Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, or Thai speakers through the dedicated hotline, 888-349-9695.

This linguistic assistance ensures that language barriers don’t prevent individuals from receiving the help they need.

Citizenship Classes

In addition to immigration services, the LAPL offers citizenship preparation classes to help legal permanent residents get ready for the naturalization exam. The offerings include:

Spanish classes for those eligible to take the exam in Spanish.
English classes with translation support available in Spanish, Persian, Korean, and Tagalog.
A 10- to 12-week course format, meeting either weekly or biweekly.

Classes are open to lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders). Both in-person and virtual class options are available, giving participants the flexibility to learn in the format that works best for them.

Confidentiality and Cost

A key aspect of the New Americans Initiative is that all services are confidential and completely free. The program ensures that personal data is secure and prioritizes protecting users’ information. However, it is important to note that these services are limited to California residents, as LAPL cannot assist individuals residing outside the state.

Additional Resources for Immigrants

LAPL’s efforts extend far beyond direct immigration services. Additional tools and resources available to immigrants through the library include:

Document Assistance: Librarians provide guidance on gathering supporting records for immigration applications. Appointments for this help are available at the Central Library.
USCIS Welcome Guide: A resource available in English and 13 other languages that outlines the responsibilities and rights of a Legal Permanent Resident. It includes essential information on tasks like finding a job and acquiring government documents.
Citizenship in a Bag: A borrowable toolkit featuring practice materials for the naturalization exam, such as flashcards, audio resources, and an informational folder outlining the steps to complete the citizenship process.
Library Record Requests: For DACA applicants, the LAPL can generate library records proving residency. These forms are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.

These tools address a variety of immigrant needs, from legal support to educational preparation.

Recent Developments

Although the services offered by the New Americans Initiative have remained consistent and highly accessible, a temporary closure has been announced for the Benjamin Franklin Branch. Residents are encouraged to check the Los Angeles Public Library’s official website for the most current updates regarding branch availability and hours of operation.

The LAPL system continues to adjust its services to align with emerging community needs. Recently, newer offerings include specialized sessions such as:

Financial coaching aimed at immigrants managing business or personal finances.
Small business consultations.
Legal guidance for business owners.
Personalized Q&A sessions for Afghan arrivals, delivered in Farsi.

These additions demonstrate the library’s ability to evolve based on the challenges faced by the communities it serves.

Collaborations with Community Partners

Partnerships play a vital role in expanding the impact of the New Americans Initiative. For example:

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California helps the library provide essential language assistance to immigrants from Asian communities.
USCIS supplies official resources in multiple languages, ensuring that immigrants have access to verified legal information.
Local Legal Service Providers: LAPL refers individuals to additional legal services when necessary.

These collaborations help bolster the quality and breadth of services offered through the library system.

Why Libraries Matter for Immigration Support

Libraries have historically served as centers of learning and access, and the integration of immigration services into LAPL’s programming brings this role into a modern context. By establishing New Americans Centers, libraries are:

Easing Access: Placement within community libraries helps immigrants receive assistance close to their homes.
Eliminating Financial Barriers: Free services ensure that financial limitations don’t prevent people from seeking help.
Promoting Belonging: Libraries create inclusive spaces where immigrants can connect with the larger community.
Building Knowledge: Citizenship classes and educational resources foster success in the naturalization process and beyond.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, programs such as the New Americans Initiative exemplify how public libraries can serve as vital hubs for immigrant integration into society. By combining legal guidance with educational opportunities, they help remove roadblocks that immigrants often face while offering a welcoming point of contact for new arrivals.

Conclusion

The Los Angeles Public Library’s New Americans Initiative shows how public institutions can directly improve the lives of immigrants. Through free, confidential, and multilingual services, LAPL empowers individuals to take important steps in their immigration journeys. From helping an individual prepare for citizenship to assisting with complex paperwork, this initiative makes a meaningful difference for countless community members. Steps like these prove that public libraries can foster community, bridge gaps, and provide critical support for immigrants working toward a brighter future.

Learn Today

New Americans Initiative → A program by LAPL providing free immigration services, resources, and support to immigrant communities in Los Angeles.
Adjustment of Status → The process allowing eligible individuals to become legal permanent residents (Green Card holders) without leaving the U.S.
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) → A U.S. policy that protects eligible undocumented immigrants who arrived as children from deportation and grants work permits.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → A U.S. immigration status granted to individuals from designated countries experiencing ongoing conflict or natural disasters, preventing deportation.
Naturalization Exam → A test that legal permanent residents must pass to gain U.S. citizenship, covering English proficiency and knowledge of U.S. history and government.

This Article in a Nutshell

The Los Angeles Public Library’s New Americans Initiative transforms libraries into lifelines for immigrants. Offering free, multilingual support—like citizenship classes and help with immigration forms—it empowers families navigating complex processes. By blending legal aid, education, and community connection, LAPL builds bridges toward belonging, proving libraries are more than books—they’re catalysts for opportunity.
— By VisaVerge.com