A Letter from CLINIC's Executive Director
Dear friend,
My name is Anna Marie Gallagher and I have the privilege of serving as the executive director of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc, known as CLINIC. We are a network of over 400 faith- and community-based organizations providing legal services to low-income immigrants —making us the nation’s largest nonprofit immigration law organization. Our mission is to uphold the fundamental dignity and rights of immigrants in the United States, according to the Gospel call to welcome the stranger.
In 2023, CLINIC began celebrating its 35th anniversary, and it has been a wonderful opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been, who we are today, and where we’re going. In 1988 when we were founded by the U.S. Catholic bishops, we were a network of just 17 offices around the United States seeking to band together to respond to the growing legal needs of new immigrants following the major changes to immigration law in the 1986. Then, and now, we know that immigration legal assistance changes lives – by helping families stay together, workers gain dignified employment, keeping communities safe and stable, and so much more. Over the years we’ve sought to respond creatively and courageously to the changing landscape of immigration law and the needs of our clients. We are so grateful to all who have supported us — and that includes many of you reading this report.
In 2023, CLINIC launched and expanded new projects to build up legal services capacity, remained committed to assisting and advocating for foreign-born religious workers coming to the United States, amplified our services through critical technological updates, and responded to policy changes which affected our network and its services. We hope you will explore this report to learn more about us and to join us as we work for and imagine a better world for immigrants.
In solidarity,
Anna Gallagher
CLINIC Success Stories
Launching and Expanding Projects
CLINIC's Mentorship Project, launched in May 2023, offers one-on-one guidance to Affiliates nationwide, focusing on immigration law areas such as family-based immigration and asylum. Through remote mentorship sessions, staff help mentees prepare for cases, including asylum hearings. The program has empowered over 30 mentees and aims to expand further.
Continued Commitment to Foreign-Born Religious Workers
In 2023, the U.S. government reduced permanent resident visas for foreign-born religious workers, causing a backlog that will delay their ability to establish permanent residency for years. This disrupts religious organizations that rely on these workers to serve communities. The Catholic Legal Immigration Network is assisting affected workers and organizations, advocating for more visas, and providing resources to navigate the changes.
Amplifying the Network
CLINIC's IT Manager Christian Lund leads a digital transformation project to overhaul the organization's IT systems. The project aims to integrate the myriad organizational processes a single system, providing a single source of truth and automating processes to improve efficiency and innovation.
Responding to Policy Changes
CLINIC works hard to respond the latest immigration policy changes so the network can serve our clients with the best representation possible.
Immigration Legal Services Support Program and Career Pathways
In 2023, CLINIC launched initiatives to deepen ties with Affiliates and expand immigration advocacy. With $30 million state funding, they aim to bolster legal aid in California, particularly through accredited representatives.
Our Funders
2023 Financials
Revenues
Total: $17,366,958
Total: $16,893,251
Expenses
Total: $17,134,587
Total: $16,660,880
Program Expenses
Total: $14,631,370
Total: $14,157,663
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