American Apparel Has Designs to Improve the Lives of Immigrants

LOS ANGELES, April 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Flanked by community leaders and activists, American Apparel today announced its latest effort to support Los Angeles' immigrant community. The largest clothing manufacturer in North America has unveiled its limited edition Immigration Integration™ t-shirt with 20 percent of proceeds from sales to support the New Americans Opportunity Fund, established by the California Community Foundation (CCF). The Fund supports nonprofit organizations that serve immigrants eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) programs in L.A. County. Under the auspices of President Obama's administrative relief, these initiatives help keep families together and obtain temporary legal status and freedom from the constant fear of deportation.

On November 20, 2014, President Obama announced administrative relief that could provide more than five million immigrants with protection from deportation and the ability to work legally in the U.S. This seminal moment could help usher in greater family security, higher wages, expanded career options and increased ability to take part in the formal economy for more than half a million lives in Los Angeles County, the most populous immigrant community in the United States.

"For years, American Apparel has advocated for and worked passionately in support of immigration reform," said Paula Schneider, CEO of American Apparel. "Justice and inclusion for our immigrant communities is a core principle for us and for our valued employees. We look forward to continuing our tradition of commitment to immigration reform by launching this partnership with the California Community Foundation to help New Americans integrate into the fiber of the Los Angeles community."

Beginning April 28, the new Immigration Integration™ t-shirt will be available in five Southern California American Apparel stores – Westwood, Melrose, Echo Park, Little Tokyo, and the Factory Store – and online in all Southern California stores by May 15. American Apparel will donate 20 percent of the sales price of every Immigration Integration™ t-shirt sold in its Southern California retail stores through December 31, 2015.

"Nonprofit organizations on the front lines of serving L.A. County's immigrant community, by helping them fully integrate into the fabric of society, need the support of all Angelenos at this historic moment in the immigration movement," said Efrain Escobedo, vice president civic engagement & public policy of the California Community Foundation. "We're pleased that American Apparel is showing leadership at this critical time for Los Angeles, and frankly, for the nation."

Launched with a $1 million investment from California Community Foundation (CCF), the New Americans Opportunity Fund supports efforts by trusted Los Angeles nonprofit organizations to ensure participation in the administrative relief application process.

About American Apparel

American Apparel, Inc. (the "Company," "we," "us," and "our") is a vertically-integrated manufacturer, distributor, and retailer of branded fashion basic apparel based in downtown Los Angeles, California. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately 9,000 employees and operated 242 retail stores in 20 countries including the United States and Canada. The Company also operates a global e-commerce site that serves over 50 countries worldwide at http://www.americanapparel.net In addition; the Company operates a leading wholesale business that supplies high quality T-shirts and other casual wear to distributors and screen printers.

Contact:
Liz Cohen
Weber Shandwick
212-445-8044
[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150429/212662

SOURCE American Apparel