Immigration legal help
Find immigration information and referrals for an individual legal consultation.
Need urgent support? Go directly to Help now. DNLH is an information resource and does not operate a crisis line.
Start here
Places to begin.
Choose a starting point for your location and question. National information can lead to state or local services; it does not mean every linked program serves everyone.
Informed Immigrant
Plain-language guides for immigrants on DACA, detention, health care and work, plus a ZIP code search for legal and community help. It is an information site, not a law office.
California immigrant resources
California’s official page for immigrant families: Governor’s Office know-your-rights fact sheets in 15 languages, links to state-funded nonprofit legal providers and ImmigrationLawHelp.org, scam warnings, and guidance on school, work and public programs.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Know-your-rights materials and red cards in more than 50 languages from a national immigration law center. ILRC does not take individual cases; it points to directories of legal providers.
ImmigrationLawHelp.org
A national directory of free or low-cost nonprofit immigration legal service providers. Search by ZIP code, county or the name of a detention facility.
California state-funded immigration legal services
The California Department of Social Services funds nonprofit organizations to give free immigration legal services to people who live or have lived in California. Services include DACA, naturalization, other immigration applications, removal defense and help for unaccompanied minors.
Immigration court pro bono legal service providers list
The federal immigration court system's list of nonprofit organizations and attorneys who have committed to free legal services at each immigration court. It is updated every January, April, July and October.
LawHelpCA
California's statewide legal self-help site, maintained by the Legal Aid Association of California. Set your city, county or ZIP code to find local legal aid and self-help on immigration, housing, work, family and benefits.
DOJ recognized organizations and accredited representatives
Federal lists of nonprofit organizations recognized by the Department of Justice and their accredited non-attorney representatives, who are allowed to represent people before immigration agencies and courts. Use it to check that a non-lawyer helper is authorized.
California Rapid Response Network hotlines
A directory of local rapid response hotlines across California to call if you see immigration enforcement activity, kept by the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice. It also links to a guide for families after someone is detained.
ICE Online Detainee Locator
The federal online search for a person currently held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Search by A-number, or by name, country of birth and birth date.
Immigration court case status (ACIS)
The federal immigration court system's online lookup for basic case status, including hearing dates and decisions. You need the person's A-number and nationality.
California Attorney General: know your immigration rights
The California Attorney General's plain-language summary of immigrants' rights under state law, including housing, emergency care, the right to an attorney and limits on local police. It links to free legal help and complaint options.
Step-by-Step Family Preparedness Plan
A free, fillable toolkit from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center to help families plan child care if a parent is detained, find trusted immigration help and prepare to assert their rights. It includes California child care options.
San Mateo County Immigrant Services
The County's Office of Community Affairs connects immigrant residents with information and services, and lists a 24/7 rapid response hotline, know-your-rights red cards, preparedness plans and local free or low-cost legal providers.
Saving keeps a resource on this device, where other device users may see it. No account is required.
Make the next step clearer
Questions to ask.
- Is the person advising me authorized to give immigration legal advice?
- What services, costs and current openings can you confirm?
- Can I get language assistance or an accessible appointment?
- What documents are needed, and are alternatives accepted?
- If you cannot help, which local organization should I try next?
Read more about this.
You may also need.
All help topics- Citizenship and naturalizationFind citizenship-service referrals and classes before choosing a legal next step.Immigration
- DACA renewal and next stepsFind qualified support for renewal, pending-request and work-permit questions.DACA and Dreamers
- Scams and identity concernsFind official scam information and qualified help when legal questions are involved.Work and income
Ready to compare resources?
Keep this need and narrow the shortlist by information scope or resource type.