By
With the possibility of a wall being
constructed on
our Mexican border, and the Trump Administration’s executive order creating new immigration restrictions, access to
immigration-related legal information can be crucial right now.
The following is a list of 10
independent, non-profit organizations that can offer support, resources, and/or
legal guidance, as well as volunteering opportunities for those looking to get
involved more directly. Note that this is only a partial list; there are many
other organizations that can help with immigration questions and issues,
including a large number of city and town-specific groups. State government
websites are often a good place to start.
Please do add any additional resources
or institutions in comments, and we’ll continue to update this post.
International
Rescue Committee – With
locations all over the world, including in 29 American cities, the IRC’s
mission is “to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by
conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their lives.” In
response to President Trump’s executive order, they are currently working to
bridge anticipated federal funding gaps in housing, health care, and other immigration
services.
Vida
Americana – A
Spanish-language site offering everything from basic immigration info to
detailed, up-to-date guidance on work visas, green cards (permanent residence),
amnesty and immigrant visas.
United
We Dream – Huge
youth-led organization with over 100,000 immigrant youths and allies and 55
affiliate organizations across 26 states. Site contains broad information and
opportunities for advocacy, as well as tactical information on protecting
yourself in the event of an Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid.
Families
For Freedom – This site
contains deportation defense resources that are designed to help noncitizens
and their families who are in immediate danger, with a hotline telephone number
and concrete, tactical strategies.
Welcoming
America – Taking an
approach that is essentially like a hyper-local version of “sanctuary” cities,
Welcoming America concentrates on creating safe spaces and resources for
refugees and other immigrants within their specific communities.
US
Committee For Refugees And Immigrants – Large organization with services that include health
care, access to human services, educational resources, and legal
representation.
HIAS – This Jewish-led advocacy group has grown into an
international resource for immigrants and refugees, with services that include
record searches, citizenship prep, as well as legal protection and finding
training/employment opportunities.
Immigration Advocates Nonprofit
Resource Center –
Informational resource with podcasts, webinars, and an extensive directory of
local agencies, searchable by an interactive map which you can also sort by detention facility.
ACLU – Their immigrants’ rights
page is especially relevant
for those seeking information, with blogs, videos, and current court cases
related to immigration.
Catholic
Legal Immigration Network – “Embracing the Gospel value of welcoming the
stranger,” CLINIC features an extensive network of programs, and focuses on the
most vulnerable groups, including dislocated families and victims of
trafficking and/or domestic violence.
You can also ask questions anonymously
and get answers from actual attorneys, for free, in the Avvo Q&A forum, or make use of Avvo’s immigration attorney
directory.
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