Marin Immigrant Rights & Justice

There is no standard definition for an effective "system of support" for immigrant communities. The partners agreed to a “roughly right” definition to create common language and focus our work. Cultural and age diversity means immigrants can face a variety of barriers to accessing support. Immigrants also adapt to new communities in stages, each bringing new challenges and barriers. As we are all in a constant process of "becoming," we recognize that attaining the factors contributing to belonging and thriving is not a linear process. Additionally, the immigrant community has a system of support that extends well beyond what nonprofits, schools, and government agencies provide. Families, neighbors, and others in the community are frontline support providers. The IR&J's focus is on strengthening all levels of the system of support for our immigrant community in ways that will also improve its effectiveness for all who need it.