Title 42 has ended. How the LAA is helping newcomers in Georgia

Title 42 ended. Now what?

Title 42, the COVID-19 pandemic public health restrictions that became a key tool officials used to turn back migrants at the US-Mexico border, ended on May 11. The policy’s end comes as the Biden administration is ending the COVID public health emergency nationally. (CNN)

Officials predict that lifting Title 42 is likely to spur a significant increase in the number of migrants trying to cross into the US. (CNN)

In the aftermath of Title 42, more people are coming from the U.S.-Mexico border to Atlanta. This will have a significant impact on our region, with many new arrival families seeking support to start their new lives.

As an organization, the Latin American Association has worked tirelessly to support over 600 new arrival individuals since last June. We’ve provided housing, food, clothing, and immigration consultations, as well as offering a newcomer’s guide that outlines the medical and education systems in the U.S. We have collaborated with other organizations to provide additional resources, but despite our best efforts, we are exhausting our resources. Our mission is grounded in helping the immigrant community achieve the American dream, but without funding for housing, food, and immigration policy relief, these individuals will be facing extreme poverty and possible homelessness.

Despite the challenges, we remain committed to supporting these families.

How is the LAA helping newcomers in Georgia –

The LAA Atlanta Outreach Center will welcome newcomers looking for assistance. Our hours of operation will remain the same for all individuals (Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:oo p.m.). Our efforts have included providing housing, food, clothing, and immigration consultations, as well as offering a newcomer’s guide that outlines the medical and education systems in the U.S.

Asylum Info Session

The LAA’s Immigration Services Department will be hosting an Asylum Info Session on May 30, 2023 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the LAA Atlanta Outreach Center where they will explain what is asylum, who is eligible for asylum and what is the process for applying for asylum.

Individual consultations will not be provided at the event, but consultations can be scheduled for a future date for individuals who can demonstrate that they have suffered persecution or fear that they will suffer persecution on the basis of one of the following protected grounds: race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, and political opinion.

Newcomers Guide (Spanish only)

The Latino Newcomers Guide is a compilation of various directories and valuable information from diverse sources of information available in GA and is intent to serve as reference to connect new Spanish speaking immigrants with community resources in Metro-Atlanta. The purpose of the document is to have available a guide to help Latinos/Hispanics to find bilingual services in their area and aid them in navigating the systems of housing, healthcare, employment, education, public transportation and immigration in Georgia. This guide was created in Spanish with the goal of increasing Spanish-speakers’ access to resources.

Download the guide here

Our resources and funds are running out quickly.

Here is how YOU can help newcomers

Donate to the LAA

Donate to the LAA today to ensure that the LAA can continue to provide critical support to newcomers in Georgia. This includes providing housing, food, clothing, and immigration consultations, as well as offering a newcomer’s guide that outlines the medical and education systems in the U.S.

In 2022, the LAA helped over 600 individuals who came to Georgia seeking refuge.

$50 - emergency food care pack

$100 - family essential supplies care pack

$500 - temporary safe housing for a newly arrived family