Planning for the Unthinkable: Local Church Helps Immigrant Parents Protect Their American Children

All Saints Church in Pasadena is launching new initiatives to help immigrant parents establish legal guardianship for their American-born children amid heightened deportation concerns.

The church’s Immigration Task Force will host a free information session featuring the Episcopal Church Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service on Sunday, Nov. 24, to address growing anxieties.

“Our community is facing anxiety and a lot of fear about what the future might bring with the new administration, especially because many are mixed-status families,” said Carlos Carrillo, Immigration Task Force Leader.

The session, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church’s Guild Room at 132 N. Euclid Ave., will focus on legal guardianship procedures and know-your-rights training.

IRIS, or the Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service, a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization affiliated with the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, has assisted over 15,000 refugees and immigrants since its founding in 2004.

“We are planning several workshops that include Know Your Rights and especially workshops on how to appoint a legal guardian to take care of children whose parents might be deported,” Carrillo explained.

IRIS provides comprehensive services including refugee resettlement, immigration legal services, cultural orientation, food assistance, and ESL/Civics programs in 10 languages including Arabic, Armenian, and Spanish.

All Saints Church has previously collaborated with IRIS on various initiatives, including citizenship clinics, DACA renewal assistance, and refugee financial support programs.

“I believe that now more than ever, our community needs the love and the support of their neighbors,” said Carrillo.

The initiative reflects a broader faith-based response to immigration enforcement concerns in the San Gabriel Valley area, where mixed-status families face increasing uncertainty.

“We need to continue the work that our Episcopal Church believes in, which is love your neighbor, support your neighbor, and walk alongside your friends and families,” Carrillo added.

While pre-registration is appreciated, both walk-in and registered attendees are welcome. To RSVP, email Carlos D Carrillo at carrillo@uncommongood.org or call (626) 796-1172.

For more information, visit https://allsaints-pas.org/calendarevent/immigration-taskforce-workshop/.