Mission
ALL PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO WORK, BUILD A COMMUNITY AND DETERMINE THEIR OWN FUTURE WITH A SENSE OF DIGNITY. THE DISPLACEMENT OF THOUSANDS OF CENTRAL AMERICANS INTO NORTH AMERICA AS A RESULT OF WAR AND CIVIL STRIFE IN THEIR HOMELANDS CREATED THE NEED FOR AN AGENCY TO SAFEGUARD THE BASIC RIGHTS OF THOSE SEEKING SAFE HAVEN IN OUR MIDST. THE CENTRAL AMERICAN REFUGEE CENTER - CARECEN (NY) PROMOTES SOCIAL JUSTICE AND LEGAL RIGHTS FOR CENTRAL AMERICANS AND ALL IMMIGRANTS, PARTICULARLY THOSE OF LOW AND MODERATE INCOME, THROUGH LEGAL REPRESENTATION, ADVOCACY, OUTREACH, EDUCATION, AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZING. SINCE 1983, CARECEN HAS CONTINUED TO FIGHT AGAINST EXPLOITATION AND DISCRIMINATORY TREATMENT OF CENTRAL AMERICAN REFUGEES AND ALL IMMIGRANTS UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES.