Casa Cornelia Legal Services

The Victims of Crime Program - The Victims of Crime Program serves some of the most vulnerable in the community undocumented men, women, and children who are victims of serious crimes such as domestic violence and human trafficking. Additionally, CCLC provides legal services to victims of serious crimes who have been helpful in the investigation and/or prosecution of certain crimes and are eligible for a U Visa, a nonimmigrant classification created by Congress to assist law enforcement, protect crime victims, and ensure safe communities. Moreover, CCLC assists victims of human trafficking or modern day slavery. CCLC provides legal services to victims of trafficking who have been helpful in the investigation and/or prosecution of the crime and are eligible for a T Visa, a nonimmigrant classification created by Congress to assist law enforcement and protect trafficing crime victims. In 2024, CCLC responded to or provided legal services to 497 persons through the Victims of Crime Program.

Childrens Program - Each year thousands of non-citizen children and youth present themselves at the U.S./Mexico port of entry or attempt to enter the U.S. without documentation. The majority of these children are fleeing extreme violence, severe deprivation, or abuse. Their journeys north are treacherous at best. Children are apprehended by Border Patrol, detained in short-term facilities, and placed into deportation proceedings. These children do not speak English, do not understand the U.S. legal system, and have no right to government-appointed counsel. The children are at at-risk and extremely vulnerable. In 2024, CCLC was the only permanent provider of legal services to detained unaccompanied children in San Diego County. CCLC also represents unaccompanied children who are not currently in detention as well as noncitizen children residing in the community who qualify for humanitarian protection under immigration law. In 2024, the Organization provided services to 1,026 to children and youth through the Childrens Program.