
2024 Annual Report
We are Member-led
Organizing and Advocacy for Immigrant Justice
At CASA’s Mayday Action on May 1st, 2024, CASA executive director Gustavo Torres and Congressman Luis Gutierrez send a message to Congress and President Biden: Justice for immigrants
As we work toward our ultimate goal of immigration reform and creating a pathway to citizenship for over 11 million immigrants in the U.S, we continue the fight to protect and uplift the immigrant community. This past year, CASA advocated for and celebrated many victories with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation, redesignation, and extension, spousal Parole in Place (PIP), and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
Temporary Protected Status

As conditions in Cameroon worsened, CASA mobilized yet again this year and called on the Biden Administration to re-designate and extend TPS for Cameroon. After tireless advocacy efforts, in October 2023, CASA members won an extension and redesignation for TPS for Cameroon. Throughout the following months, CASA hosted legal clinics to support the Cameroonian community re-register for TPS before the deadline.
This year, we built and strengthened the solidarity network among immigrant rights activists, advocates, and stakeholders to bolster collective power in the TPS movement. TPS leaders across the country met before May Day to assess the current landscape and create a powerful and justice-oriented strategy to advance our campaigns. On May Day, we mobilized in Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, Georgia to demand dignity and respect for immigrant essential workers and their families. Hundreds of immigrant activists honored the invaluable contributions of essential immigrant workers and demanded Temporary Protective Status, DED, work permits, and justice for them.
CASA also continues to advocate for the Biden administration to increase protections by designating or redesignating TPS for Central America and Nepal. In June 2024, CASA members stood alongside the Guatemalan community in the Capitol and urged the Biden administration to designate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Guatemalans residing in the United States. Despite meeting TPS eligibility criteria, Guatemalans have been overlooked by past administrations.

Member Spotlight – Gricelda Velasquez

Mi nombre es Gricelda Velasquez soy miembro de CASA, inmigrante Guatemalteca, y he llamado a este país mi hogar por los últimos 20 años.
Soy madre de tres hijos ciudadanos de este país y orgullosa de la familia que he creado, después de haber inmigrado desde niña.
Guatemala, ha sido afectada por muchos desastres naturales como la erupción de los volcanes. Fuegos que cubrieron comunidades y dejaron tantos muertos, miles de evacuados y millones de afectados. Así fueron los minutos en los que el volcán mostró su poder en Guatemala.
Ya estando en este país soy una trabajadora esencial, pero una trabajadora que ha sido explotada, trabajando más de 16 horas al día, sin un sueldo justo.
Para mi una asignación de TPS sería una grandísima oportunidad y una justicia para mi y mi familia después de tantos años de exploración.
Es por eso que estoy aquí el día de hoy, pidiéndole al presidente Biden que haga lo correcto, mi familia y yo, las familias Guatemaltecas – y toda Centroamérica, y los hermanos de Nepal – pedimos el TPS Ahora!!!
Hello my name is Gricelda Velasquez, and I am a CASA member, I am an immigrant from Guatemala, and am proud to call this country my home for the past 20 years.
Since immigrating here as a child, I have built a lovely family as the mother of three U.S. citizens.
Guatemala has faced multiple natural disasters, including devastating volcanic eruptions and wildfires that have engulfed entire towns, resulting in many deaths, thousands evacuated, and millions affected. These events have demonstrated the volcano’s power.
Here in the U.S., I am an essential worker, yet I face exploitation, often working 16-hour days without fair wages.
After enduring many years of hardship, receiving TPS would represent a significant and just opportunity for my family and me.
That is why I am here today, urging President Biden to take the right action. For my family, for all Guatemalan families, for all Central American immigrants, and our brothers from Nepal – We Demand TPS now!!!
Parole in Place

After our tireless advocacy efforts, On June 18, 2024, the United States government announced that undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens who have lived in the country for at least 10 years will be eligible to apply for an immigration benefit called Parole in Place (“PIP”). PIP allows someone who has already entered the United States without lawful authorization to remain in the country temporarily if they can show that there are urgent humanitarian reasons or a significant public benefit for them to be in the U.S. PIP also allows the person to apply for a work permit, a green card, and eventually, U.S. citizenship. DHS estimates that 500,000 noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens could be eligible to access PIP, who have lived and worked in the United States for an average of 23 years.
Following the announcement of the new PIP program, CASA led on implementation and community education. Our legal team accepted PIP applications beginning on August 19 and hosted PIP information sessions to ensure members were prepared to complete the PIP application.
Republican officials went to the courts to take down this major immigrant victory, and thanks to a well-known xenophobic judge, the parole-in-place program was stricken. We continue advocating for citizenship, the only permanent solution.

Member Spotlight - Alex + Erin

One of the many CASA families that would have benefited from this executive order is Alex and his wife Erin. Alejandro Paz Medrano immigrated to the US from Mexico in 2005. He moved immediately to Pennsylvania, settling in the small south-central town of Hanover where he met Erin. Despite numerous obstacles, they have built a beautiful life together, and now they may keep building that life, confident that they will not be separated by an unjust immigration system.
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Alejandro, or Alex as friends now call him, met his wife Erin Elizabeth Messinger in 2007, when he took an English class at the public library taught by her sister. Erin’s sister had let her know that there was this great guy in her class who was always helping out and doing good deeds in the community. They became fast friends.
Erin fell in love with Alex even before they started dating in 2013. As she describes it, they “built a romantic relationship off of a strong friendship.” In 2016, they married and Alex joined Erin’s family like he was always there. Erin’s dad calls him his “hijo.”
In 2018, Erin became very ill. At the time she worked as a volunteer coordinator at United Way and it was only through Alex that she was able to remain working for an additional year. He would drive her to work every day. Her job organizing events was very physical and he would do all of that labor for her, then leave at the end of a full day to go to his own job into the nighttime. Ultimately, Erin’s illness progressed so much that she was unable to work anymore. For more than a year, without Alex’s support, she would not have been able to even take a bath or get off of the couch. Alex saved her. With treatment, Erin has been able to return to a part-time position, while Alex continues to support the family through construction work. Alex has had to turn down promotions and more because of the work visa problem which has been financially tough on the family.
Alex came to Pennsylvania and loves Hanover because it’s a small town where people are very kind and very peaceful. And of course, it is the town that his wife grew up in. Together, they sit in front of their home in the evenings talking to passersby, and in the early morning, they walk together on a nature path at the end of their street where they often see deer and other wildlife. Alex loves Pennsylvania for its natural areas and appreciates the amazing changes that seasons bring. In Mexico, he lived in the capital, and to leave the overwhelming people and rush of Mexico City for a beautiful quiet town like Hanover is a dream.
Alex’s immigration status has had an impact on the couple in many ways. Erin has traveled twice to Mexico to spend time with her in-laws and Alex’s large family. They have embraced her with so much love but it has been a wonderful experience tempered with sadness that Alex cannot travel with her, see his mother in person, and be ready to return when people get ill.
Alex and Erin have a beautiful life. But one thing that they never talk about is what would happen if Alex was deported. They know each day it is a risk but it is so tortuous to discuss they simply avoid even thinking about it. Instead, they take each day at a time never knowing when it will be their last together.
DACA

June 15, 2024, marked the 12-year anniversary of DACA. CASA stands firmly with the DACA recipients who continue to navigate an uncertain future. This milestone reminds us of the resilience of immigrant youth and the urgent need for meaningful change. Revamping DACA is not just a policy shift; it’s a powerful message of compassion and inclusivity. We call on President Biden to enhance and expand DACA, affirming our commitment to keeping families together and recognizing the contributions of the hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients.
CASA is proud to celebrate a significant victory for health equity: DACA recipients can now enroll in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace and Medicaid starting November 1st! This milestone follows years of dedicated advocacy from our members, who have fought tirelessly for their rights. With over 500,000 DACA holders in the U.S. and an estimated 100,000 expected to enroll in the ACA, this change not only expands access to healthcare but also affirms the contributions and humanity of immigrant families. We believe that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and this announcement brings us one step closer to achieving that vision. As of December 2024, Republicans once again sued to steal this immigrant-centered victory and is in flux.
We know that the fight isn’t over. Systemic barriers still exist for many immigrant families. As we look ahead, CASA will continue to advocate for comprehensive healthcare access and push for policies that protect and uplift all immigrants. Together, we will ensure that everyone, regardless of their immigration status, has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
The ongoing attacks against DACA itself can also not be ignored. President Biden pledged to protect immigrant youth and DACA recipients at the start of his administration by strengthening DACA and providing other relief measures. However, nearly four years in, the administration has only finalized a rule that maintains the policy as is. At the same time, the administration has adopted anti-immigrant policies at the border and increased enforcement through detention, deportations, and expulsions. It is more than time to move DACA recipients and their families from this limbo state where they do not know what their uncertain future holds as legal challenges to DACA continue to make their way through the courts. No matter the outcome of these challenges, CASA will continue defending DACA recipients and immigrants, and provide them with the resources they need because we all know that DACA was never enough We will continue fighting for comprehensive immigration reform that provides a pathway to citizenship.
With DACA’s 12-year anniversary on June 15, 2024, CASA joins the #HomeIsHere coalition reflecting on the uncertainty that the hundreds of thousands with immigration status #DACA face.
— CASA (@CASAforall) June 12, 2024
We call on @POTUS @JoeBiden to take bold action for immigrants. pic.twitter.com/QBoT55hc17
📢 Anti-immigrant forces are working hard to dismantle DACA. On October 10th, they’ll argue in court for mass deportations and family separation. Let’s fight back. Text HOME IS HERE to 78757 and urge @POTUS to stand strong for immigrant families. pic.twitter.com/O25fxSlfZo
— CASA (@CASAforall) October 8, 2024
Lancaster City Trust Act
This year, CASA celebrated the Lancaster City Council’s unanimous passage of the Trust Act, a historic legislative initiative crucial for boosting the sense of belonging and enhancing the safety of immigrants within the Welcoming City. The Trust Act ensures that City officials do not proactively collaborate with ICE and do not share their information to aid civil immigration enforcement. The Trust Act allows City residents to participate more fully in civic society without fear, encouraging them to feel safe reporting crimes, using health and social services for their families, and enrolling their children in schools. CASA members, alongside other immigrants, live with the fear of family separation caused by ICE in various Pennsylvania jurisdictions and identified safety as a top priority for this immigrant community organization.
With this important victory, Lancaster City sent a loud and clear message to others: Lancaster City is home to everyone, regardless of immigration status. Other cities should follow Lancaster’s example.

Fidel is a member of the community that calls Lancaster City home.
During an action earlier in the year, he shared: “I have heard so many testimonies from members of our CASA committee that are concerning and very sad because they affect the entire family, especially the children. With the Trust Act, I see that this gives us back the hope and dignity that we all deserve. I am very happy for the joint work that the City has done with CASA to make Lancaster a magnificent city, to continue being a joyful citizen, and proud of our City representatives.”
Lancaster City exemplifies inclusivity with the Trust Act, prioritizing community safety over ICE collaboration. Fear-free civic engagement thrives, proving hate has no home in #Lancaster! #HereToStay pic.twitter.com/qborm7M5zc
— CASA (@CASAforall) March 21, 2024
Health Justice
Access to Care Act


CASA is proud to announce a historic victory for immigrant communities in Maryland: the passage of the Access to Care Act. This landmark legislation represents years of relentless advocacy by our dedicated members, who tirelessly fought for the right of all Marylanders to access essential healthcare, regardless of their immigration status. With the support of over 100 organizations, we’ve taken a monumental step toward dismantling the barriers that have long prevented thousands of immigrants from receiving critical health services. This bill will enable immigrant Marylanders to purchase health plans through the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange and access preventative care without fear or financial burden.
This victory is not just about healthcare; it’s about dignity, equity, and justice. For too long, many in our communities have faced chronic health challenges without access to proper care. By removing immigration status as a barrier to healthcare, we’re improving individual health outcomes and alleviating the financial strain on Maryland’s healthcare system. This legislation will lighten the burden on hospitals and community clinics while promoting a healthier Maryland for everyone. We’ve proved that when we unite and advocate for what’s right, we can create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for all. The fight continues, and we remain committed to ensuring that every Marylander has the opportunity to lead a healthy life.
“As a member of CASA, these legislative wins signify more than just policy changes; they embody hope and empowerment. Finally, having access to healthcare by having the ability to purchase it is a newfound sense of security and dignity. And knowing that we have the tools to hold slumlords accountable brings a profound sense of justice and agency to our communities.” said Rafael Lacayo, District 17, Montgomery County.
Maryland makes history tonight in passing #immigrant healthcare expansion. With #Access2Care anyone regardless of immigration status can buy health insurance through the marketplace, after waiver approval.
— CASA (@CASAforall) April 3, 2024
Thank you @MDSenate @mdhousedems. Now @govwesmoore can sign into law! pic.twitter.com/RELq3JLTqX

Healthy Babies

CASA proudly celebrates the first anniversary of the Healthy Babies Equity Act, a groundbreaking achievement that has transformed the lives of countless families across Maryland. Thanks to years of advocacy led by our dedicated members, this landmark legislation now allows pregnant individuals to access Medicaid for prenatal and postpartum care, regardless of their immigration status. In just one year, we’ve seen over 12,000 uninsured pregnant and postpartum parents and their babies benefit from critical healthcare services, ensuring they receive the support and care they deserve during such a pivotal time in their lives.
Baltimore City resident Maryina Castro benefited from the program when she was pregnant. “This law is very important for everyone. As a mother, I felt much safer knowing that my baby and I had a doctor to count on in case of a medical emergency. This coverage saves lives,” she said. Maryina got pregnant at 37 years old and had been paying for her care out-of-pocket at community clinics. She suffered from high blood pressure and nausea throughout her pregnancy.
As we commemorate this significant milestone, we also recognize that the journey toward comprehensive healthcare for all Maryland residents is far from over. The need for inclusive policies continues, as exemplified by initiatives like the Prince George’s Cares & Health Reimbursement Act, which aims to extend vital primary care services to uninsured residents. CASA remains committed to advocating for healthcare as a human right, driven by the belief that every mother and child deserves access to quality care.
Housing Justice
In the face of a growing housing affordability crisis, CASA remains steadfast in its commitment to housing justice as a policy priority for our community. In 2024, CASA’s member activists worked relentlessly to advance tenants’ rights, prevent evictions, and advocate for rent stabilizations at every turn. This past year saw a series of exciting wins for immigrants and working-class tenants all over.
The Tenant Safety Act, which passed during the 2024 Maryland Legislative Session and went into effect in October 2024, allows tenants to sue landlords collectively using the Rent Escrow system to hold them accountable for lack of overdue maintenance and repairs. The Rent Escrow allows tenants a more accessible process to hold landlords accountable in court. Not only is this more accessible, but it also helps protect and encourage the creation of tenant unions.
Tenant Safety Act Passes in Maryland

We have been fighting on the ground for years to combat deplorable living conditions due to landlords’ lack of maintenance and negligence. In 2020, we began exploring ways to hold these landlords accountable through the judicial system. Collaborating with legislators, the Tenant Safety Act was crafted to keep accountability in mind.
The Tenant Safety Act, which passed during the 2024 Maryland Legislative Session and went into effect in October 2024, allows tenants to sue landlords using the Rent Escrow system collectively to hold them accountable for lack of overdue maintenance and repairs. This makes it more accessible to tenants who, before this law, could only individually take on their landlords in court. Not only is this more accessible, but it also helps protect and encourage the creation of tenant unions.
Safe at Home Tenant Protection Act in Georgia

In a milestone moment that fortified safe and secure housing for every tenant, the Georgia legislature overwhelmingly approved House Bill 404, the Safe at Home Act. This bipartisan legislation offers enhanced protections, prohibits retaliation, and extends eviction notice periods. The bill was signed into law on April 22, 2024.
CASA’s Georgia Director Luis Zaldivar shared, “Georgia’s tenants have spoken out, sharing how rent has been incredibly unaffordable, and we are grateful that legislators from both sides of the aisle overwhelmingly agree: the Safe at Home Tenant Protection Act must be law! Closing the Georgia legislative session with such a powerful bill across the finish line tells the entire state that renters deserve fairness, dignity, and safety. This bill is the first step in accomplishing just that. We look forward to the governor signing this bill into law, so that every family is given more affordability and safety.”

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The Safe at Home Tenant Protection Act offers:
- Enhanced Protections: The bill strengthens protections for tenants, ensuring they are treated fairly and provided with safe living conditions.
- Prohibition of Retaliatory Actions: Landlords are prohibited from retaliating against tenants who assert their rights, ensuring that residents feel empowered to address issues without fear of repercussion.
- Extended Notice Periods: The legislation extends notice periods for eviction proceedings, providing tenants with crucial time to address any challenges they may face.
As Georgia prepares to take this step towards housing equity, we stand on the brink of meaningful change for tenants statewide. With the backing of legislators, advocacy organizations, and community leaders, we are dignified to create a future where every Georgian can find stability and security within their own homes.
Rent Stabilization in Montgomery and Prince George’s County


Climate Justice
Member Profile – Estefanía
Estefanía traveled from Ecuador to the United States and is a student and single mother living in Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania. She and her 2-year-old daughter trek 40 minutes daily to reach the bus stop from her home so she can get to class. Estefanía has no other options, since Pennsylvania doesn’t yet offer driver’s licenses for immigrants and the cost of private transportation is exorbitant. Because of her long trek to the bus stop, her worry about the excessive car exhaust fumes that cause asthma in children, and the effect that would have on her daughter, Estefanía advocates for reliable, clean, and accessible transportation. She urges legislators to keep families like hers safe by investing in clean and accessible transportation in her neighborhoods. Estefanía’s advocacy sheds light on the crucial link between transit equity, sustainability, and immigrant health.
Advocating for the Climate Displaced Person Act
During 2024 and late 2023, CASA members worked hard to advocate for the passage of an equitable Climate Displaced Person Act. CASA joined other organizations in developing Central America-specific language to be included in the bill. In our advocacy, CASA also tied the issues of climate displacement to our full-priority TPS for Guatemala campaign. During lobby visits in Congress, CASA’s policy team and CASA members highlighted the need for both a TPS designation for Guatemala and the general growing need for climate refugee relief. The bill, which is sponsored by Sen. Markey and Rep. Velazquez, creates a climate refugee visa category, which grants 100,000 annually. The bill also creates departments of climate resilience aimed at helping foreign countries deal with climate change.
Maryland Climate Advocacy Work
CASA’s top state-level climate policy priority, the Maryland Department of the Environment Permitting Authority legislation, advanced past the House of Delegates, the furthest it has ever moved in its three years of being introduced. The bill however did not pass the Senate. This bill would give the Department of the Environment the power to reject certain pollution permits if the applicant’s proposed site is in a community with an Environmental Justice score above the 75th percentile. This bill also tackles renewals in these communities. CASA collaborated extensively with the Department of the Environment to develop this bill. CASA members also spoke at both hearings and listed this bill as one of their priorities.

Some successful pieces of climate and environmental legislation passed this year. CASA advocated for increased Comprehensive Flood Management funds from MDE with the caveat that 40% of these funds must serve high EJ score communities. This funding and bill passed, and CASA is already speaking with local governments to apply for these funds to improve flood management in our members’ communities. Lastly, CASA helped pass the EmPower Reform legislation, which transforms the existing utility energy efficiency program to focus on multi-family housing and make a plan to phase out subsidies on efficient gas appliances to only electric appliances. The bill also calls on the Department of Housing and Community Development to impose regulations to protect tenants from being displaced if their property owner utilizes these incentives.
Youth Leadership
At the Local Level
CASA youth leaders were active throughout the last year fighting for change in their communities. Students in CASA’s Mi Espacio program at the International High School in Langley Park got to meet with Prince George’s Council Chair Jolene Ivey.
On August 3, 2023, youth from CASA’s Mi Espacio Baltimore City program participated in a Listening Session with the Mayor’s Deputy Director at the Baltimore Welcome Center, focusing on Youth Violence Prevention. This was a youth-led conversation, giving Mi Espacio students the platform to share their perspectives. In preparation for the event, our team facilitated workshops that encouraged students to reflect on their personal experiences with youth violence and its profound effects on their lives and communities. This empowered them to share their voices confidently during the session.
✏️ PG Council Chair @joleneivey’s visit to CASA's Mi Espacio program at the International High School in Langley Park was wonderful! Thanks to the education team and principal Dr. Humphrey for a great experience, and a big shoutout to the students who make it all happen! 👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/GgU85sdWFu
— CASA (@CASAforall) May 30, 2024
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At the State Level
At the Maryland state legislature, CASA youth advocated for increased college access for undocumented high school graduates. Whereas FAFSA requires that students provide one year of tax returns to demonstrate financial standing, the MHEC One-App, an alternative financial aid process for undocumented students, requires three years of tax returns. In coalition with educators and community partners, CASA youth urged lawmakers to rectify the inequitable requirement. While the bill ultimately did not pass, we plan to return next year with an even larger coalition to push this much needed policy change forward.
In Virginia, students engaged in real-world political activism by lobbying state officials in Richmond on education reform issues. Mi Espacio participants shared their experiences as first-generation students in Prince William County and opened up about the challenges faced by undocumented students applying to college, especially with limited financial assistance. Adult ESOL students who shared their experiences at CASA, detailing why they enrolled in ESOL classes and the valuable lessons they’ve learned along the way.
