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Immigrants come to the U.S. seeking the same things that have attracted so many others over decades and centuries before – freedom from poverty and prejudice, a chance at a better life for themselves and their families. And yet they still face enormous obstacles to their full participation in American society.
The Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund has a long history of working to lift up the voice, leadership, and civic and political participation of immigrant communities. Building on this commitment, we’re joining with an array of partners to help build a diverse and powerful movement for immigrant rights and integration.
We have three funding priorities in this work:
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Strengthen public understanding about the need for comprehensive immigration reform at the national level. We are working to build the capacity of immigrant organizations to advance the cause of reform that offers a pathway to citizenship for millions of immigrants.
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Increase civic participation among immigrants in California. We are working in selected areas of the state to help immigrants increase their influence in government and society through voting and active citizenship.
- Support public education about the need for immigrant-friendly state and local policies in California. We are helping to build a statewide network of advocates to make the case for policies that advance immigrant rights and integration at all levels.
Working with our partners at the local, state and national levels, the Haas, Jr. Fund strives to make sure that today’s immigrants are part of a society that welcomes their contributions, respects their humanity, and rewards them on an equal basis for their hard work and ideas. Over the past five years (2005-09), the Fund has made grants totaling more than $17.7 million to support immigrant rights.
