On January 30, 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will begin implementing the new public charge regulations on February 24, 2020 which will allow immigration officials the ability to deny a green card to immigrant applicants if they are in receipt of certain public benefits. First 5 LA and other advocates across the country have opposed the updated rule, arguing that it unfairly penalizes low-income immigrants who rely on temporary assistance from the government. First 5 LA’s Executive Director, Kim Belshé released the following statement in opposition to the ruling, highlighting the negative impact it will have on children, families and our communities:

“When immigrant parents are targeted, their children suffer. This ruling punishes children, families and our communities for seeking federally-funded services they are eligible to access. Regardless of their immigration status or the color of their skin, all children deserve proper nutrition, health care and safety net services essential for their well-being.

“One-third of all U.S. children living in poverty have an immigrant parent, [according to the Migration Policy Institute]. This ruling will have an irreparable impact on immigrants and their families. Instead, we need to support connections to services that strengthen families, not create an environment of fear that will drive families away from the services and supports for which they’re eligible and which are critical to parents’ ability to work and children’s ability to thrive.

“We urge the President and members of Congress to come together to make our immigration system work better for children and their families. America was built with help of the energy, ideas and contributions of people born outside its borders. We must honor that history and move forward as a nation together.”




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By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer May 22, 2025 Opening your home to a stranger can be scary. Especially if you're a new mom.   Just ask Dani. After the birth of her son, she got a call from a parent educator asking if she'd like to participate in a home visiting...

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By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer April 22, 2025 The young boy is talking about cognates.   "I know some words in Spanish," Mateo tells the nice lady sitting next to him in the booth. "When we watch these videos, they show the word first in English and then, at the...

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By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer May 22, 2025 First 5 LA’s Board of Commissioners Meeting was convened on May 8. Highlights of the meeting included a discussion on the proposed First 5 LA budget for the new fiscal year; a presentation on First 5 LA’s Maternal &...

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Hello! Aloha! Kumusta! Xin chào! May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Originally established as a weeklong observance in 1978 and expanded to a month in 1992, this annual celebration is a valuable opportunity to honor...

Janitorial Services Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

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April 8, 2025 In celebration of Women’s History Month and this year’s theme — Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations — First 5 LA is shining a spotlight on remarkable women leading the way in early childhood education (ECE). In this bio...

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By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer March 27, 2025 Shakur was 2 when he started crossing his fingers. It happened a lot. His mom, Brooklynn, noticed that the behavior happened every time they visited the local park. That's when she did some sleuthing online and...

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