A Light in Dark Times for Immigrant Families

In a small corner office of the Shoreline Community Church, immigrants can find a much welcome pathway to the American Dream. Immigrant Hope, founded by Diane Martinez, is a beacon of its very name for families navigating the complex journey toward citizenship and integration. Although the organization began as a simple driver’s license program in 2012, it has blossomed into a comprehensive immigration support network that’s changing lives throughout Santa Barbara County while offering an education program.  

Immigrant Hope’s humble beginnings offered more than just aid in procuring a driver’s license: it offered dignity, safety, and a pathway to fuller participation in community life. “We saw hundreds of people gain not just their licenses, but confidence and a sense of belonging,” recalls Executive Director Karla Can, who has guided the organization’s remarkable expansion.

Today, Immigrant Hope operates as a Department of Justice-certified provider of low-cost immigration services, offering everything from DACA renewals to citizenship applications and crime victim benefits. The organization also has an education program, which offers a civics engagement class that prepares people for their citizenship interview, a driver’s license program, and a community engagement class. What sets the organization apart is its Christian foundation and commitment to building genuine relationships with clients. “Our mission is rooted in using education and immigration programs as a way to share the gospel with immigrants,” Can explains. “We’re walking alongside families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.”

When Rebecca, an undocumented youth, approached Immigrant Hope, she was seeking DACA status – a critical protection that would allow her to work and study legally. With the organization’s guidance, she successfully obtained DACA in 2016. But the team didn’t stop there. Years later, they helped Rebecca navigate the complicated process of obtaining a green card, which required her to return to Guatemala for an interview. Today, Rebecca enjoys permanent residency status and represents the transformative power of comprehensive immigration support.

Can’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding the organization’s reach. Now employing three accredited representatives, Immigrant Hope handles increasingly intricate cases while maintaining its original vision of compassionate service. Recognizing that immigration status is just one piece of the integration puzzle, Immigrant Hope recently launched a Family Preparedness Plan Initiative. 

“We noticed increasing client anxiety and realized that personalized family preparedness plans could provide peace of mind,” Can notes. “Ninety-five percent of our clients from Mexico have found these consultations helpful, particularly because I can relate to their cultural background and build trust.”

The Lord is calling us to be the salt and light of the world and through Immigrant Hope’s immigration and education programs, it strives to love and serve the immigrant community.