Get Professional Guidance
When to Seek Professional Help
Consider Legal Assistance If You Have:
- • Criminal history or arrests
- • Previous immigration violations or deportation orders
- • Complex family situations or prior marriages
- • Denied applications or requests for evidence
- • Court proceedings or removal proceedings
- • Questions about eligibility or strategy
Legal Representation Can Help With:
- • Evaluating your immigration options
- • Preparing and filing applications correctly
- • Responding to government requests
- • Representing you in court proceedings
- • Navigating complex legal requirements
- • Avoiding costly mistakes or delays
Legal Aid Organizations
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
Find qualified immigration attorneys through AILA's lawyer referral service
Services:
- •Attorney referral
- •Legal directory
- •Consumer information
- •Pro bono programs
Coverage:
Nationwide
Phone:
1-202-507-7600
Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC)
Network of nonprofit legal programs providing low-cost immigration services
Services:
- •Legal services directory
- •Pro bono representation
- •BIA recognition and accreditation
- •Training programs
Coverage:
Nationwide network of affiliates
Legal Aid Society Immigration Law Unit
Free legal services for low-income individuals in immigration proceedings
Services:
- •Deportation defense
- •Family reunification
- •Asylum representation
- •VAWA petitions
Coverage:
New York City area
Government Contact Information
USCIS National Customer Service Center
General immigration inquiries, case status, and form assistance
Services:
- •Case status inquiries
- •General information
- •Appointment scheduling
- •Form assistance
U.S. Department of State National Visa Center
Immigrant visa processing and consular services
Services:
- •Immigrant visa cases
- •Document review
- •Interview scheduling
- •Case inquiry
Executive Office for Immigration Review
Immigration court information and legal representation
Services:
- •Court information
- •Case status
- •Attorney registration
- •Practice manual
Emergency Resources
ICE Detainee Locator
Locate individuals in ICE custody
Phone: 1-888-351-4024
Available: 24/7 online, phone hours vary
Access Service(opens in new tab)USCIS Emergency Services
Expedited processing for emergencies
Process: File expedite request with documentation
Criteria: Medical emergency, humanitarian reasons, government interest
Access Service(opens in new tab)State Department Emergency Services
Emergency passport and visa services
Phone: 1-877-487-2778
Available: 24/7 for emergencies
Access Service(opens in new tab)Self-Help Resources
Pro Se Representation Resources
- USCIS Self-Help Tools and Resources
- Immigration Court Practice Manual
- BIA Practice Manual and Precedent Decisions
- Legal Aid Self-Help Guides
Form Preparation Assistance
- Community-based organizations
- Legal aid clinics
- Bar association pro bono programs
- Law school immigration clinics
Language Access
- Court interpreters (request in advance)
- USCIS language support services
- Translated forms and instructions
- Community interpretation services
Important Reminders
Beware of Scams: Only work with licensed attorneys or accredited representatives. Verify credentials through state bar associations or BIA recognition lists.
Get Written Agreements: Always request written fee agreements and keep records of all communications and payments.
Reasonable Fees: Be wary of unusually high fees or guarantees of approval. No one can guarantee immigration case outcomes.
Direct Government Contact: You can always contact USCIS or other agencies directly. You don't need to pay someone to check your case status.
Questions About This Website
This website is an educational resource created to provide information about U.S. immigration law and procedures. It is not affiliated with any government agency and does not provide legal advice.
For technical issues: This is an informational website. For technical problems, please try refreshing the page or using a different browser.
For immigration questions: Contact the appropriate government agency or consult with a qualified immigration attorney.
To report outdated information: Immigration law changes frequently. Always verify information with official government sources.