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

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

Eligibility for certain legal & social services depends on country of origin.

Refugee Health Promotion Program (RHPP) & Afghan Health Program (AHP)

Healthcare can be a challenge to navigate for anyone. IRIS supports refugees and resettled Afghans in accessing health information and services. Some services include:

• Online and in—person workshops with credible, knowledgeable facilitators

• Culturally appropriate health care referrals

• Mental health assessment

• Essentials items provision ex) Diapers, toothbrushes, new clothing

• Introductions to health considerations in the US environment

Afghan & Ukrainian Newcomer Support Programs (ANSP, UNSP)- Coming Soon!

IRIS will soon be able to roll out extensive social services for Afghans and Ukrainians. Please contact the emails below for questions about eligibility or services available.

For Afghan inquiries: bkhosrovian@ladiocese.org

For Ukrainian inquiries: smamikonyan@ladiocese.org

For General inquiries: irisreception@ladiocese.org

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

Since it was first established in 2004, IRIS has helped nearly 15,000 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 cultural and community orientation, enrollment in English learning classes, youth school enrollment, connections to social services, and more.

When refugees arrive in the United States, their journeys are not over. IRIS is here to support the navigation of critical resources for a thriving life in Southern California.

What We Do

How we help