LOS ANGELES – The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), the largest immigrant rights organization in California, activated its rapid response services this 4th of July weekend as it became aware of a new migrant bus originating in Brownsville, Texas headed to Los Angeles on Saturday. The bus included 41 asylum seekers from 8 different countries, including Cuba, Belize, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Amongst the passengers, 11 children. CHIRLA staff and volunteers and members of the L.A. Welcomes Collective were at hand on Saturday to offer immediate humanitarian assistance at a receiving facility including water, food, clothing, shelter and medical check-ups if needed, and initial legal immigration assistance as most asylum seekers will need to start their long asylum process in the near future. Most, if not all, of the asylum-seekers on the bus are seeking to reunify with loved ones or sponsors who reside in the region.
Donations and support for our ongoing migrant and refugee humanitarian assistance work is welcomed. Direct contributions can be made online by visiting CHIRLA’s website at www.chirla.org and pressing on the GIVE TODAY button. A direct link can be found here: https://www.chirla.org/get-involved/donate-support/give-today/
The following comments can be attributed to Angelica Salas, CHIRLA executive director:
“Independent of origin, mode of transportation or motive, CHIRLA and our partners in Los Angeles is organized and ready to receive these asylum seekers when they get here.”
“We are still putting together all the details about this group of asylum seekers on the Brownsville bus, but if Los Angeles is their last destination, we will ensure this is the place where they get a genuine and humane reception.”
“As we have indicated before, the more time we are given to coordinate and prepare our response, the better we can serve these men, women, and children who have already experienced traumatic events throughout their journey in their search for freedom and happiness.
“As we approach the long 4th of July weekend, it is befitting to remember that migrants also know struggle and perseverance, and they too seek a better tomorrow where their lives will be valued and celebrated under the banners of justice and compassion.” ### | 
