List of organizations and resources that offer free or low-cost legal services and aid to immigrants in the United States. It's important to note that availability can vary, and many organizations focus on specific types of cases or vulnerable populations.
Key National Directories & Government Resources:
- U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) - Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR): List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers
- ImmigrationLawHelp.org
- Operated by Pro Bono Net, this is a comprehensive national directory of over 1,000 free or low-cost nonprofit immigration legal services providers in all 50 states. You can search by state, zip code, detention facility, areas of law, and populations served.
- Website: https://www.immigrationlawhelp.org/
- LawHelp.org
- While broader than just immigration, LawHelp.org provides information about free legal aid programs in every state, including those that handle immigration cases. It's a good resource for finding local legal aid societies.
- Website: https://www.lawhelp.org/ (You'll need to select the relevant state)
- Immigration Advocates Network (IAN) - National Immigration Legal Services Directory
Prominent National & Regional Immigrant Aid Organizations (Often with Legal Services):
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
- While AILA is an association for immigration lawyers (many of whom charge fees), they have a public immigration lawyer referral service. They also have pro bono initiatives, such as the Military Assistance Program (MAP) for service members and their families. They can sometimes provide lists of attorneys offering low-bono or reduced-fee services.
- Referral Service: https://www.ailalawyer.com/
- AILA Pro Bono Information (check for current programs): https://www.aila.org/about/pro-bono-initiatives (general info) or specific program links found via search.
2. National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC)
* NIJC provides direct legal services to and advocates for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through policy reform, impact litigation, and public education. They have offices in several states and work with a network of pro bono attorneys.
Website: https://immigrantjustice.org/](https://immigrantjustice.org/
- Catholic Charities
- Many local dioceses of Catholic Charities across the U.S. offer immigration legal services, often at low cost or free for eligible individuals. They assist with family-based petitions, DACA, citizenship, and more.
- Find a local agency: https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/find-help/ (You'll need to search for immigration legal services within your local Catholic Charities agency).
- International Rescue Committee (IRC)
- The IRC provides a wide range of services to refugees and asylum seekers, including legal assistance with asylum applications, green cards, and family reunification. They have offices in many U.S. cities.
- Website: https://www.rescue.org/united-states
- HIAS (formerly Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society)
- Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)
- KIND specializes in providing pro bono legal services to unaccompanied immigrant and refugee children in their deportation proceedings.
- Website: https://supportkind.org/
- The Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project
- Provides free legal and social services to detained immigrants and asylum seekers in Arizona. They are a key resource for those in immigration detention in that state.
- Website: https://firrp.org/
- RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services)
- Primarily serving Texas, RAICES offers free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees.
- Website: https://www.raicestexas.org/
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
- The ILRC works with and educates immigrants, community organizations, and the legal sector. While they do a lot of training and advocacy, they also provide legal expertise and can be a resource for finding help.
- Website: https://www.ilrc.org/
- American Bar Association (ABA) Commission on Immigration