July 2025 Newsletter

A Letter from our Executive Director

Dear South Central LAMP,

As you can imagine, the continued ICE raids on our community have been very challenging to live with, to say the least. Many are feeling stressed, fearful, sad and sometimes a little hopeless. But I am determined to find ways to resist the oppressive, violent ways this administration and its supporters have sought to not only erase our community but villainize it as well. One way is by truth telling. 

These raids have inadvertently highlighted the various injustices our community faces when applying for citizenship. A common question by many is why have so many immigrants lived in the shadows for so long, without seeking citizenship. The truth is that the pathway to citizenship in the United States is not simple, direct, or easy.

In many countries, including the U.S., immigration policies are shaped by various factors, including to serve special and political interest. Special interests can be employment-based, giving priority to individuals specialized in science, business, athletics, etc. While fieldworkers, mechanical skills, or basic labor are not a priority, and are often given only temporary status. Who decides what a special interest is, the government often through the advocacy of lobbyists from an industry or a company. Political interests can mean many things, including refugee status by those fleeing authoritarian, communist, or warring countries.

As you can garner, our immigration system is not one size fits all. The truth is there is not a line where everyone enters through, so when you hear people say, they are jumping the line, that’s untrue. What’s also untrue is that undocumented immigrants are not obtaining citizenship the “right way”. When there are many routes for citizenship, the “right way” can be subjective.

If you have not had a chance to view the press conference led by activist Flor Martinez Zaragoza and farm workers on July 16, I encourage you to view it. Click Here to read the Los Angeles Magazine article, where they relayed the conference via written word: Farmworkers Call for Strike After ICE Raids - LAmag.

During the conference, Gabriel, a farmworker, brought proof of the 19 years he has been submitting and paying his taxes. “I’ve been doing this year, after year, after year. For a promise that I would get my citizenship. This is my testimony, that I am not a criminal. We are not criminals.” In the press conference he went on to say that he did this because he was told that these acts may give him a path to citizenship, though it was never guaranteed.

Undocumented immigrants contribute significantly to the tax base through various tax streams and regularly file tax returns. Research indicates that undocumented immigrants pay substantial amounts in federal, state, and local taxes, utilizing mechanisms like ITINs (Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers) to meet tax obligations. Recently the administration entered into an MOU with the IRS, to obtain names, addresses, and other tax information from the same people that did things the “right way”. Gabriel’s story is just one of millions.

Below is another story shared by one of our team members. My goal in truth telling is to help our allies have the resources to speak out against the lies that have perpetuated for many, many years, not just during this administration. I ask that you use this information to share with you spheres of influence and truth tell with me. Together we can be the change we wish to see in the world, because honestly, there is no other choice, as Barack Obama said, “We either move forward together, or not at all.” 

Diana Z. Pinto

Executive Director

Interesting FACT

Undocumented immigrants contributed $96.7 billion in taxes at the federal, state, and local levels in 2022, without the right to access any benefits that our taxes procure, including in due process under this administration.

One Family's Immigration Story

Family separation has always been an issue for those who come to the United States chasing a dream with a goal for a better life, even for those who decide to take the ‘‘correct path’’ to become a U.S. citizen. My mother had five children and decided to start her process to receive her green card, was denied, and asked to return to Mexico. The immigration services officers mentioned to her that if she tries to return again, undocumented, she was going to be punished without being able to enter the U.S. for 10 years. She was also told that it was her choice to return to Mexico and leave her children behind.

As hard as it was, my mother decided to leave her two youngest, aged 14 and 12, to pursue their education in the U.S. I was only 25 years old with two children of my own and had to take in my siblings. Times were tough, I had to apply for food stamps, and limit our spending, being mindful that I also had to provide for my mother who was staying in Tijuana, Baja, California, with random strangers.

Every other weekend I, along with my kids and siblings, would drive to Tijuana to spend time with our mother (and grandmother) and provide her with a bit of hope. Saying goodbye to her was never easy, but we had to stay strong so she could find the strength to do the same. My mother’s boyfriend would also visit her on the weekends to ensure she didn’t feel lonely.

During this time, we saw that she had lost weight, became jobless, and fell into a deep depression. The journey was tough, so we asked about other ways to bring her back to the U.S. sooner. The only option my mother had was to get married to her boyfriend, who was a citizen. Though she did not want to get married, she made the sacrifice to do so to come home to her children as soon as possible.

Even after her marriage, we still had to wait and start a new process to reapply for a green card. My mother went to a couple of appointments in Ciudad Juarez about her case, and during these appointments she found out she was pregnant. The happiness of knowing that she was going to have another child didn’t last for too long. Due to the stress and depression of the whole situation, unfortunately, my mother had a miscarriage all alone with no one by her side.

Days and months passed, and my mother was losing hope, and decided to get a dog for distraction. The puppy really helped her since she had to take it on a daily walk, and it did keep her busier. My mother continued to be patient at the home where she was staying. She learned how to find comfort with this family, who were very kind to her.

Not only was my mother facing challenges but so were we, but we had to keep quiet to avoid the stress it put on my mom. My siblings stayed in my one-bedroom apartment, sleeping on the couches, and we all had to wake up extra early to start our morning routine. My daughter was one, and my son was nine years old. Therefore, I had to drop off all the children at three different schools, and on days I could not pick up my siblings, they would have to catch the bus or walk.

During that time, I had to apply for unemployment and survive off the food stamps and WIC. My mother’s process took about two years for her to return to the U.S. Words can’t explain how grateful we all were when she returned.

These were the hardest years of my life, not only because my mother out of U.S., but I had to become a mother of four while undergoing cancer treatment for myself. After all of these overwhelming challenges, we were eventually able to bring my mother back to California. I was able to finish my treatment, and my siblings were finally reunited their mother back home in the U.S. Dreams do come true when we don’t lose hope.

Adult Education Program Update

Immigration enforcement actions have not stopped across Los Angeles, and many in our community continue to face fear and uncertainty. At South Central LAMP, we remain committed to being a source of stability, connection, and care. We continue to share trusted information, connect families to legal and community resources, and hold space for healing and hope.

During times like these, taking care of our mental and emotional well-being is just as important as staying informed. We encourage families to:

• Limit news and social media that increase stress
• Talk to someone you trust or reach out for support
• Stay connected through safe, supportive spaces like LAMP
• Practice simple grounding techniques like deep breathing or a short walk

We are inspired every day by the resilience of our families and the strength of our partnerships. Thank you for walking alongside us as we continue uplifting and protecting the well-being of our community.



Jessie Hernandez

Adult Education Programs Manager

Early Childhood Education Program Update

This summer, for the first time, we are excited to offer a virtual Summer Cafecito for those in our Family Literacy Program! Families are invited to join us for storytelling, dancing, movement, and yoga from the comfort of their homes.

Plus, once a week, we are opening our outdoor playground for picnic days and free play, giving families a chance to enjoy the sunshine and explore together in a safe environment, since parks do not feel safe for them anymore.



Ilce Moreno

ECE Site Supervisor and EXPL Coordinator

Essential Item Donations Still Needed

This summer, many of the families we serve at South Central LAMP are experiencing heightened fear and uncertainty, making it difficult for them to leave their homes. In response, we are delivering essential supplies directly to their doorsteps. Your donations of toiletries, household items, and non-perishable food can offer more than just relief—they bring comfort, dignity, and hope during a challenging time.

To help us distribute items more efficiently, we kindly ask that each item be individually packaged. Below is a list of items that would be especially valuable to the families in our community:

Emergency Relief Fund

We have created an Emergency Relief Fund, to help our families stay safe, healthy, and nourished. Every dollar contributed goes directly toward rental and utility assistance, food, and essential supplies—making you a vital part of the support system our community needs right now.

Parent Advisory Board - Passport Project

A passport can help keep families together in an emergency. Through our Passport Project, led by the Parent Advisory Board, a donation of $150 covers the cost of a passport for one child—offering peace of mind and protection when it matters most.

Our Mailing Address

When mailing to South Central LAMP,

please address your letter to:

South Central LAMP

P.O. Box 11336

Los Angeles, CA 90011

Stay Connected with South Central LAMP!

For more information on ways to support South Central LAMP, please contact our

Development Director, Nicole Burcham, at nburcham@southcentrallamp.org,

visit our website, and follow us on social media to learn more about our programs.