Legal Help for Immigrants
NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
What is legal help for immigrants?
Several organizations in Massachusetts offer low-cost or free legal services for immigrants and other noncitizens.
These organizations help with immigration issues such as:
- applications for green cards
- applications for citizenship
- asylum cases
- deportation proceedings
- adjustment of status
- family-based visa petitions
- domestic violence cases
- undocumented unaccompanied minors
- non-immigrant visa petitions
- refugee travel documents
- work authorization
- TPS (temporary protected status) cases
- immigration support services
Some organizations handle all types of immigration cases, while others specialize in certain types of cases.
Am I eligible?
Many agencies provide legal services to all immigrants and noncitizens in need of help, without any specific eligibility requirements.
However, Legal Services organizations usually only serve people with incomes below 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and seniors age 60 or older. (See Legal Services Programs.)
Depending on the agency, services may be offered:
- free of charge
- on sliding fee scale based on income
- for a low-cost flat fee
- for a donation
What benefits will I get?
Some agencies have full or part-time attorneys on staff to help you with immigration issues. These agencies can provide legal representation at immigration proceedings and can handle complex immigration cases.
Other agencies have staff trained to help with immigration issues, but do not offer direct legal services.
Depending on the agency, some or all of these services will be available:
- immigration counseling
- application assistance
- consultation with legal staff
- legal representation
- referrals
- immigration clinic (walk-in or by appointment)
Services are usually offered in several different languages, depending on the agency and the population it serves. Many agencies have access to interpreters for languages not spoken by staff members.
How do I apply?
To find an agency that offers immigration legal services in your community:
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See the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition's online Directory of Legal Service Providers for Massachusetts, or call MIRA at 617-350-5480.
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If you are low-income, elderly, or getting Medicare, call a Legal Services organization that serves your community. Many Legal Services organizations offer immigration help. For contact information and eligibility guidelines, see Legal Services Programs.
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Contact an Immigrant Service Agency in your area. Many of these agencies offer immigration legal services or can give you a referral.
Legal Help for Immigrants section last updated on 4/30/10
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