The United States detains more immigrants than any other country in the world, many of whom are forced to navigate complex legal proceedings with no right to a public defender in immigration court. Amica Center for Immigrant Rights is often the last line of defense for thousands of asylum seekers fleeing violence, abuse, and human trafficking; and hundreds of children who migrated alone or have been forcibly separated from their parents. It offers legal orientation, individual consultation, pro bono representation, and “Know Your Rights” trainings, empowering immigrants facing detention and deportation to achieve equal justice. It also trains attorneys working in the immigration and criminal justice arenas, conducts extensive community outreach and education, and passionately advocates for policies that protect immigrant rights. As the only legal service provider focused on serving detained women, men, and children held in 12 jails and juvenile centers in Maryland and Virginia, Amica ensures immigrants facing detention and deportation have someone in their corner.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 2

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Statewide; VA-Statewide

Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49); All

Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Individuals who identify as LGBTQ; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Immigrants/Refugees; Gays/Lesbians; HIV/AIDs


  • Number of people (clients, patrons, students, etc) we serve annually:   1,500
  • Number of volunteers who work with us annually:   500
  • Number of hours of volunteer work we record annually:   2,000
  • Number of children who received "Know Your Rights" presentations:   1,000
  • Number of volunteer hours donated by pro bono attorneys:   22,000

Awards & Recognition

HBA-DC's 2013 Hugh A. Johnson Memorial Award
Kathy Doan, Executive Director, recepient of 2015 Jerrold Scoutt Prize from the DC Bar Foundation

Press

Budget (FY2023)

  • The current budget for Amica Center for Immigrant Rights (formerly Capital Area Immigrants' Rights Coalition) is: $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About Spur Local

Each year 150+ community advocates review applicants on the basis of governance, equity, and impact. Each featured nonprofit has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. Spur Local charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $57 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region.

Spur Local looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to Spur Local to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

If you like Amica Center for Immigrant Rights (formerly Capital Area Immigrants' Rights Coalition) you might also like



This organization collaborates with