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Need Immigration Help?

If you need assistance with an immigration issue or case, please consult an immigration professional that is either a bar-admitted lawyer or a Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) accredited representative.  If you do not have enough money to pay a lawyer, there are low-cost or free legal assistance programs that may be available to you.

To Complete Immigration Applications:

BIA Recognized Organizations 

Organizations that are recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) provide immigration advice and services for refugees/asylees, including the completion of immigration applications/petitions for submission to USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security) and/or EOIR (Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Department of Justice).  For an organization to be recognized, its staff must have sufficient immigration knowledge and experience, and it can only charge low-cost or no fees for the legal services provided.  In San Diego, these organizations include: the International Rescue Committee, ACCESS of San Diego, Casa Cornelia Law Center, Catholic Charities, Centro de Asuntos Migratorios, IMPACT Servicios de Inmigracion, and the Legal Aid Society. Click here to see a full list of Recognized Organizations. 

In addition, the American Bar Association (ABA) has a directory of immigration providers at http://www.abanet.org/publicserv/immigration/legal_services_directory_map.shtml that may provide low-cost or free legal assistance.

International Rescue Committee’s Immigration Department

To make an appointment, please call 619-641-7510 ext. 250.
 

For Representation Before The Immigration Court (EOIR) or USCIS Interviews:

The Office of Chief Immigration Judge has a list of recognized free legal service providers for individuals who are in immigration proceedings before the Immigration Court.  This is a list of attorneys and organizations that may be willing to represent refugees/asylees for low or no cost in these proceedings.  In addition, these legal providers may also represent individuals at USCIS interviews i.e. asylum, naturalization, etc.

IRC does not represent individuals in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court.

Beware of Immigration Fraud and Improper Legal Assistance

  • Unqualified Representatives/Attorneys:  Some consultants, travel agencies, real estate offices, notaries public (‘notarios’), and lawyers who are not bar-admitted offer immigration legal services.  Ask for copies of a lawyer’s, representative’s, or consultant’s BIA accreditation or legal bar certificate as proof of eligibility to provide immigration legal assistance. Some people who say they are qualified are not!
    • Note: It is against California law to provide immigration legal assistance unless you are a licensed attorney or working for a BIA recognized organization.  An EOIR list that provides information on the status of a lawyer as to whether he or she is allowed to practice law and represent clients may be found at http://www.usdoj.gov/eoir/profcond/chart.htm.
  • Get a Receipt:  Make sure you get a receipt for any money paid for services.
  • Keep Original Documents:  Only allow copies of your documents to be made.
  • Read the Application:  Never sign a blank form or application and make sure you understand what you are signing.  If you do not understand what you are signing, ask questions.  If you cannot read the form or application, ask someone who is a reliable translator to read it to you in your own language so that you understand.
  • No Special Connection to USCIS or EOIR:  No private organization or person offering assistance with immigration issues has a special connection with USCIS or EOIR.  Be careful of promises that sound too good to be true!
  • Improper Activities:  If you suspect improper activities by your immigration consultant, you may report the incident to local law enforcement or the consumer affairs department.

 

  Links:                                                  

BIA Recognized Organizations

Free Legal Service Providers for Court Proceedings


 

 

 

This site was created by the International Rescue Committee (San Diego). Refugee Info is a website dedicated to the resettlement needs of refugees and asylees in San Diego, California. The site was funded by the Community Technology Foundation of California (CTFC). The Community Technology Foundation of California helps underserved communities secure social justice, access, and equity through the application of information and communication technologies. To find out more about the Community Technology Foundation visit: http://www.zerodivide.org.



The information contained herein should not be construed as legal advice and/or replace legal counsel.  Individuals are advised to seek legal counsel and/or representation if they have questions related to their immigration status and/or related immigration applications/petitions.

Every attempt has been made to ensure the information contained herein is valid at the time of publication.  IRC reserves the right to make changes, corrections and/or improvements at any time and without notice.  In addition, IRC disclaims any and all liability for damages incurred directly or indirectly as a result of errors, omissions, discrepancies, and/or individual use of the information herein.  This site is provided ‘as is’ without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.  It should not be assumed that this site is error-free or suitable for the particular purpose that an individual intends.

In no event shall IRC be liable for any special, incidental, indirect or consequential damages of any kind, or any damages whatsoever, whether or not advised of the possibility of damage, and on any theory of liability, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of this site, and/or other documents and/or website addresses which are referenced by or linked to this site.