Organization for the Legal Advancement of Raza, Inc.

The Organization for the Legal Advancement of Raza, Inc., commonly referred to as O.L.A. Raza, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by a group of Chicano law students at UC Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. The organization was established with the goal of empowering immigrants, disadvantaged students, and low-income communities through legal services and advocacy.

Mission

O.L.A. Raza's mission is to provide legal information, education, and services that aid in navigating the legal system and achieving personal goals for its target populations. The organization focuses on serving new immigrants, low-income individuals, and students, particularly in the regions of California.

History and Achievements

In its early years, O.L.A. Raza played a significant role in increasing the number of public interest lawyers by offering programs such as LSAT preparation and a Summer Legal Studies Institute. These initiatives helped numerous law school applicants from several states, including California, Arizona, New Mexico, Washington, and Colorado, gain admission to law schools. Additionally, the organization supported graduates with Bar Exam preparation and placement assistance.

One of O.L.A. Raza's notable achievements includes the launch of its Community Preventive Legal Education Program in 1978, supported by the Legal Services Corporation. This effort aimed to provide legal information and services to underserved communities across several states, including California, New Mexico, Colorado, Georgia, and New York. The organization also initiated a weekly radio program, Foro Sin Fronteras, which broadcasts immigration information via satellite to a broad audience in California, Arizona, Sonora, Mexico, and Washington State.

Services Provided

The organization operates several Immigrants Rights Centers in Bakersfield, Porterville, Visalia, Tulare, and Delano. These centers have assisted tens of thousands of families in attaining eligibility for U.S. citizenship. O.L.A. Raza provides a range of immigration legal assistance services, including:

• Adjustment of Status
• Asylum applications
• Consular Processing
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
• Family-based petitions
• Naturalization/Citizenship
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
• U visas
• Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petitions

Additionally, O.L.A. Raza offers non-legal services such as citizenship and civics classes, as well as referrals to other services. The organization serves diverse populations, including domestic violence victims, farm workers, and individuals without legal immigration status.

Projects and Initiatives

O.L.A. Raza has established several projects aimed at addressing specific social issues. These include a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Project, a Children’s Defense and Education Project, a Migrant/Rural Leadership Project, and a Social Justice Institute based in Porterville.

Languages and Accessibility

Services are provided in both English and Spanish, catering to the linguistic needs of the communities it serves. O.L.A. Raza charges a nominal fee for some services but does not have access to commercial interpreting services.