Uncertain legal status means living with the constant fear of families being separated and forced to return to lives marked by poverty, violence, and danger. Because legal representation is the single greatest factor in an immigrant’s ability to remain safely in the United States, CARECEN fights to ensure that Long Island’s immigrants have access to high quality counsel.
Systemic social and economic barriers marginalize immigrants, which prevents them from becoming fully engaged members of civic and economic life in the United States. By providing free, multilingual education and access to vital resources, CARECEN empowers immigrants to change their lives and their communities.
It is our duty to create a region, state and nation that tells all immigrants that home is here. CARECEN advocates for just, equitable laws and policies that protect and empower immigrants, and reflect the value they add to our communities across Long Island, New York, and the entire country.
CARECEN empowers immigrants through legal services, community education, and advocacy.
Mission & Impact
Who We Are
1,212
immigrants protected through legal services
15 advocacy initiatives joined
2,057 immigrants educated by community programs
IN 2022 ALONE
At CARECEN, we measure impact by the number of immigrants who access legal, educational and social services. But, because we strive to make Long Island a place that welcomes and values immigrants and their contributions, we also measure impact by the number of new Americans who become full participants in social and economic life, through voting, running for public office, buying homes, and opening businesses in our region.
We recognize that immigrants represent the new face of Long Island and, with adequate support, will sustain its economic and social vibrancy for decades to come.