In the Press: Mary Choate’s Conversation with Francisca Beltran on the LCHR Show
The Lincoln Commission on Human Rights (LCHR) recently welcomed Mary Choate, Executive Director of the Center for Legal Immigration Assistance (CLIA), to discuss the organization’s vital role in providing legal support to immigrants and refugees in Nebraska. Hosted by Francisca Beltran, this insightful interview highlighted CLIA’s mission, programs, and how the community can get involved.
Below is a synopsis of Francisca and Mary’s discussion.
What is CLIA?
Founded in 2001 in response to the lack of immigration services in Nebraska, CLIA was initially connected to United Methodist Ministries. In 2011, it became a nonprofit organization focused on humanitarian and family-based immigration services. Today, CLIA helps individuals petition for family members, apply for asylum, and navigate refugee status, among other legal services.
CLIA started with just a small team and has since expanded, now employing eight to nine staff members with hopes of further growth. Their team provides multilingual support, ensuring clear communication with clients who may speak Kurdish, Arabic, Spanish, or other languages.
The Uplift Program: Expanding Legal Assistance
Beyond immigration services, CLIA is involved in the Uplift Program, which assists tenants, consumers, and families facing legal challenges. CLIA collaborates with El Centro, the Asian Community and Cultural Center, Good Neighbor, and Legal Aid of Nebraska to provide resources for:
Tenant rights and landlord disputes
Consumer issues such as contracts and debt
Family law, especially for domestic violence survivors
The program recently received funding renewal, ensuring continued support for Lincoln residents, regardless of immigration status.
Accessing CLIA’s Services
CLIA provides a streamlined intake process to evaluate cases effectively. Individuals can:
📞 Call us at (402) 471-1777 and leave a voicemail with their name, contact information, and details about their case.
💻 Visit our website to fill out an online intake form or download application materials.
🏢 Stop by our office at 3047 N 70th ST Lincoln, NE 68507 to inquire about services in person.
Since CLIA operates on an income-based sliding scale, assistance is prioritized for those in the greatest financial need. If we cannot provide direct support, we offer referrals to other legal resources in the community.
DOJ Accreditation: Opening Career Pathways
One unique aspect of our work is a focus on DOJ-accredited representatives — individuals trained and certified to provide immigration legal services without a law degree. This opportunity is particularly beneficial for:
Immigrants and refugees with law degrees from other countries who cannot immediately practice law in the U.S.
Individuals passionate about legal work but unable to afford law school
Nonprofit organizations looking to expand legal services
By investing in DOJ accreditation, CLIA ensures that more professionals are equipped to serve Nebraska’s immigrant community.
“We serve people regardless of their documentation status because everyone deserves access to justice.”
How Can You Support CLIA?
As a nonprofit, CLIA relies on a mix of private donations, grants, and city/state funding. However, expanding staff and services requires community support. If you’d like to help, consider:
🎁 Donating via CLIA’s website: www.clianeb.org/donate
🙌 Spreading the word about CLIA’s services at the dinner table and on the internet.
📢 Advocating for immigrants and refugees in Lincoln. As Francisca Beltran reminded us at the close of the interview: "We all have rights."
This conversation on the LCHR Show was an important reminder that everyone deserves legal support, regardless of their background.
🎥 Watch the full interview to learn more about how CLIA is making a difference in the Lincoln community!
