INSIDE OUR SCHOOLS
“ICE Off My Property” sign on a lawn (Photo – Melissa Michelson)
The San Gabriel Valley is one of the most racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse regions in California. Home to more than 2 million residents, the SGV has one of the largest Asian American populations in the country, alongside large Latino communities, many of whom are immigrant, low-income, or first-generation.
By Chelsea Chung, Emilio Aguilar, and Winston Chou
Despite its diversity, the SGV faces socioeconomic inequalities. Many households don’t speak English at home, and significant portions of the population face barriers to employment, housing stability, healthcare, and, critically, legal support. This lack of legal support doesn’t stem from the absence of help, but from the fact that many people can’t find it, afford it, or trust it.
The current supply of legal aid simply can’t meet the demand because resources aren’t visible, trusted, and linguistically and culturally accessible. A free immigration workshop held at a courthouse may go unattended if the location itself feels intimidating or unsafe to undocumented residents. A free legal clinic posted online won’t reach families without digital access. And a recorded hotline message in English won’t help someone who only speaks Spanish.
The result is a legal system that works only for those who already know how to use it, while those on the margins are left in the dark. But it doesn’t have to be this way. If we truly want equity in the San Gabriel Valley, we must move beyond simply offering legal aid. We need to bring it to the people, in our languages, in our neighborhoods, and on our terms.
For us, this issue is personal. Our families have lived, worked, and built their lives here in the San Gabriel Valley. It’s where we grew up, went to school, and made our closest friends. We’ve seen the struggles that immigrant families face, whether it’s language barriers, unfair treatment, or simply not knowing where to turn for help. But we’ve also seen the resilience and strength of our community. That’s why we care so deeply about this. The SGV isn’t just where we live, it’s part of who we are. And because it’s so special to us, we feel a responsibility to speak up and make sure everyone here has the support and justice they deserve.
So, what specifically can we do?
To start, we can donate to existing organizations to ensure they have the resources to continue their good work. AJSOCAL and CHIRLA are both great, reputable organizations that are providing legal resources in our communities.
But what else? Vote. For those who are eligible, voting is the best way to ensure that politicians hear our voices, and that those who refused are removed from office. Let the local, state, and federal government know that you are (rightfully) unhappy with the way immigrants are being treated. With upcoming elections just around the corner, there’s no better opportunity than the 2026 midterm elections.
Now, if you’re a high-school student like we are, you might feel limited on how you can help, but you can still find ways to make your actions matter. One of the most important things you can do is stay informed and up to date. Discover how immigration laws function and learn about the challenges faced by undocumented individuals. Educating yourself allows you to speak up with confidence, detect and correct misinformation, and raise awareness among your peers and community.
Finally, one of the most meaningful ways to take action is by sending letters to your local or state elected officials. Elected officials don’t get written to as much as you might think. Elected officials are there to represent you, and they need to hear from young people.
Ultimately, we must change how we, as a community, perceive the legal environment. Seeking legal aid shouldn’t feel risky or out of reach. It should be seen as a right, not a privilege—no matter your legal status. True equity begins when we extend justice to all, in every language and every neighborhood.
Chelsea (16, junior at San Gabriel High), Winston (17, senior at San Marino High), and Emilio (16, junior at South Pasadena High) met through the Mike Fong Young Leaders Program and co-wrote this opinion piece to advocate for immigrant justice and legal equity, which are causes about which they are deeply passionate.
This article was first published in our print edition.
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