Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.
Written by:
Jeffrey Johnson
Insurance Lawyer
Jeffrey Johnson is a legal writer with a focus on personal injury. He has worked on personal injury and sovereign immunity litigation in addition to experience in family, estate, and criminal law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and has worked in legal offices and non-profits in Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina. He has also earned an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman Univer...
Reviewed by:
Mary Martin
Published Legal Expert
Mary Martin has been a legal writer and editor for over 20 years, responsible for ensuring that content is straightforward, correct, and helpful for the consumer. In addition, she worked on writing monthly newsletter columns for media, lawyers, and consumers. Ms. Martin also has experience with internal staff and HR operations. Mary was employed for almost 30 years by the nationwide legal publi...
UPDATED: Jul 18, 2023
Advertiser Disclosure
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes and legal advice should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about legal topics and insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.
You have an immigration issue and you’ve done enough reading to know that you are thoroughly confused about what you should do next. Unfortunately, with the economy still struggling, you don’t quite have the funds to hire a private attorney to handle your matter. Fortunately, a number of public interest organizations offer immigration legal aid to immigrants facing a variety of legal issues. These legal aid organizations offer expertise in immigration law and are often free to those who qualify. The trick is usually finding an organization in your area. Rural areas tend to have fewer legal aid options immediately available; however, you will probably have access to more than you think.
First, start by looking for immigration legal aid organizations. You may be a little frustrated at first because many legal aid organizations are designed to assist with family law related issues. Don’t give up. Even if that organization does not directly deal with immigration cases, they will probably have information about a local organization that does. Because of increases in processing immigration issues, the federal government has instituted a program through the BIA for Pro Bono Programs to improve representation for people who cannot afford legal representation. Many states and religious organizations have used grant money from this project to implement pro bono programs. Pro Bono programs provide free or reduced-fee legal services to those who could not otherwise afford representation.
A second source of legal aid is referrals from national organizations. Several groups have formed national initiatives to improve the rights of immigrants. Some of these groups include:
Most national groups will be able to refer you to local branches located in your area for support on immigration issues.
Get exclusive expert advice! Find the best deals, lower your bills, get out of debt, and gain financial freedom. 100% free insider tips sent directly to your inbox. Let us help you save money today!
GDPR Complaint: Email Addresses Never Shared
A third source of information for legal aid comes from your local courthouse, county library or state bar office or website. Most court houses and county libraries will include announcements regarding legal services and legal aid in the form of pro bono clinics. Some will also maintain lists of local attorneys who are willing to provide legal aid on immigration issues for free or at reduced rates. Many state and state bar websites will include similar referrals.
Even if you do not qualify for services directly with the organization that you find, you can still utilize their expertise. Most will offer free publications that will clarify some of the issues that you are struggling with. From there, you may be able to narrow the amount of actual representation that you need.
Organizations that provide direct support for immigration services are what most people think of when they consider legal aid. However, depending on your issue and your situation, you may qualify for other assistance. Your jurisdiction may have a public defender’s office that can assist with at least some of your issues. If you are facing deportation, some courts will appoint an attorney for the limited purpose of visiting with you before you make your announcement to the court. This is an opportunity for at least a cursory assessment of your situation. Finally, the USCIS does provide for a waiver of filing fees in limited circumstances for some applications. You should discuss this option with any attorneys that you potentially hire. Fee waiver could result in a reduction of expenses so that you could then afford to pay your attorney.
Regardless of where you live, the most important thing to keep in mind is that help is out there. Exploring national, state, and local options for legal aid will increase your chances for obtaining the support and assistance that you need.
Case Study 1: Legal Aid Insurance
Maria is an immigrant who is facing complex immigration issues and cannot afford the high cost of hiring a private attorney. Fortunately, she had the foresight to purchase legal aid insurance that covers immigration cases. She contacts her insurance provider and explains her situation.
The insurance company connects her with an experienced immigration attorney who specializes in the type of case she is dealing with. The attorney provides guidance, prepares necessary documents, and represents Maria throughout the legal process. Thanks to her legal aid insurance, Maria receives the professional legal assistance she needs at a fraction of the cost.
Case Study 2: Pro Bono Programs
Juan is an undocumented immigrant seeking legal aid for his immigration case. He is unable to afford an attorney and worries about his uncertain status. He learns about pro bono programs offered by local organizations through his community center. Juan contacts one of these programs and explains his situation.
The organization assigns a pro bono attorney to his case, who provides legal advice, helps him understand his rights, and guides him through the immigration process. Through the pro bono program, Juan receives free legal representation and gains confidence in navigating his immigration challenges.
Case Study 3: National Organization Referrals
Luisa is an immigrant who recently moved to a new state and needs legal assistance for her immigration case. She reaches out to national organizations that focus on immigrant rights and advocacy. These organizations refer her to local branches and resources in her area that offer immigration legal aid.
Luisa contacts the recommended organizations and finds one that specializes in her specific immigration issue. With the support and guidance of the local organization, she successfully resolves her legal matter and secures her immigration status. The referrals from the national organization prove invaluable in connecting Luisa with the necessary legal aid.
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption