We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits 689. No Human Is Illegal: Reclaiming the Immigration Narrative - Carmen Patlan, Center for Immigrant Progress
In today's episode, Jon and Becky sit down with Carmen Patlan, Executive Director of the Center for Immigrant Progress (CIP), to highlight how her organization is supporting immigrant families through a comprehensive, community-centered model.
CIP is advancing immigrant rights by connecting legal protection, health equity, civic engagement, and advocacy to help families live with dignity, safety, and opportunity.
In this episode, Carmen shares her own story of immigrating to the United States at seven years old—and how that lived experience now shapes the way CIP serves immigrant communities.
You’ll hear how the organization is:
- Providing pro bono immigration assessments and legal guidance
- Helping families create emergency preparedness plans
- Offering mental health and wellness support for families experiencing trauma
- Empowering immigrant leaders through civic engagement and leadership development
For nonprofit leaders, this conversation highlights what it truly looks like to build with community—not just for it—and reminds us that meaningful change often starts with something simple: listening, learning, and getting to know our neighbors.
Episode Highlights:
- Carmen’s Immigration Story: Crossing the Border at Age Seven (02:51)
- Why the U.S. Immigration System Is So Complex (07:23)
- Building the Center for Immigrant Progress (13:27)
- Living While Prepared, Not Living in Fear (16:05)
- Why Immigrants Must Tell Their Own Stories (22:22)
- What Real Allyship Looks Like in Immigrant Communities (25:03)
- Carmen’s One Good Thing: Standing Shoulder to Shoulder (31:07)
Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/689
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