Services and Programs

Immigration Legal Services

IRIS is a Department of Justice (DOJ) recognized office with accredited staff. IRIS provides its clients with professional, confidential services, representation, and assistance in navigating today’s complex immigration system.  

Our immigration services are provided on a pro-bono or low-bono basis and include: Citizenship/Naturalization applications, Adjustment of Status (Green Cards), Family Petitions, Visa Processing, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Employment Authorization, Visa processing, Consular processing and more.

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. From 2016-2024, IRIS also served as a partner of the “One California” Immigration Services Funding program administered by the California Department of Social Services. 

IRIS Citizenship Application Clinics — Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service

Former Programs

IRIS recently offered legal services at the Lydia Lopez Center: IRIS PARTNERS WITH LYDIA LOPEZ CENTER TO PROVIDE FREE SERVICES — Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service

Preferred Communities(PC) Intensive Case Management- Ended Sept. 2025

The PC Program at IRIS provides intensive case management to vulnerable populations of newly arrived refugees and asylees to facilitate their achievement of self-sufficiency. Services offered include housing assistance, healthcare navigation, financial management, social adjustment services, family wellness, and more.

Eligible populations can include LGBTQ+ refugees, Special Immigrant Visa(SIV) holders, individuals paroled as refugees or asylees(Ukrainians, Afghans, etc.), Cuban and Haitian entrants, certain Amerasians from Vietnam, trafficking survivors(T-Visa), and certain Lawful Permanent Residents. Please contact irisreception@ladiocese.org for more information.

Resettlement Program - Suspended January 2025, Contract ended Sept. 2025

Since it was first established in 2004, IRIS helped nearly 15,000 refugees find hope, hospitality, and a safe haven in Los Angeles. As the Southern California affiliate of Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM), IRIS had partnered with former administrations’ 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 resettled 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 provided a range of programs that empower newly arrived refugees with support necessary for successfully starting new lives in Southern California. Clients worked with IRIS to access services and items they’ll need during their initial months in the United States. This included, and was certainly not limited to, cultural and community orientation, enrollment in English learning classes, youth school enrollment, connections to social services, and more.

In January 2025, the newly elected administration indefinitely paused all refugee admissions to the United States. Many families with vetted and approved cases, including IRIS clients, were stuck outside of the U.S. When admissions resumed only for a new, much smaller group of people, EMM decided to end the federal resettlement contract to pursue a different form of service for migrants. The severe reduction in refugee admissions numbers and organizational decisions led various local resettlement offices to shut down. IRIS’s resettlement capabilities and a majority of our funding were cut.

Thanks to community partners, IRIS is still here to support the navigation of critical resources and legal pathways for a thriving life in Southern California. Even when refugees arrive in the United States, their journeys are not over. IRIS works each day to be a positive partner migrants’ integration and success.

What We Do

How we help