Law Resources for Immigrants in San Diego
*This article is approved by George H. Ramos, Jr.
Immigrants are facing an especially difficult time in the United States with changing policies and new executive orders. According to a 2015 report by the Migration Policy Institute, San Diego County has the third largest population of undocumented immigrants in the state and seventh largest in the country, meaning a large portion of our community is at risk of life-altering legal. While the new policies on immigration and increased deportations are causing concern across the county, legal resource is available.
The San Diego criminal defense attorneys at George H. Ramos, Jr. & Associates have compiled a list of legal resources for San Diego immigrants including free legal aid, explanation of rights, immigration services, and others.
Legal Aid Society of San Diego
Provides free legal aid for low income San Diego residents on a range of issues including immigration. Must qualify. Assistance includes adjustment of status, employment authorization, removal hearings, naturalization, special immigrant juvenile status, T visas, U visas, VAWA petitions, and consular processing. Languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Signers for deaf, ASL, Farsi, Tagalog
San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium
As a project of Alliance San Diego, SDIRC is working toward four goals: supporting immigration reform, stopping local policies that violate the rights of immigrants, educating immigrants about their rights, and education the public about the contributions immigrants have on the local community.
California Immigrant Policy Center
Statewide organization that supports and helps to advance pro-immigrant public policy. Provides advocacy tools, reliable information, and research materials on California immigrants.
University of San Diego School of Law Legal Clinic
Free legal aid from the USD legal clinics is available for low income residents. Help with immigration-related issues including deportation, naturalization, and family members immigrating to the U.S.
Nile Sisters Development Initiative
The Nile Sisters was founded to help immigrant and refugee women and their families become self-sufficient in the U.S. through education, support and training.
Immigration Center for Women and Children
ICWC provides affordable legal representation for California immigrants in need of financial aid. Their mission is to protect immigrant women and children who have been victims of violent crimes including sexual assault and domestic violence.
This San Diego based public interest legal center provides affordable and pro-bono legal representation for San Diego immigrants. CCLC represents victims of human and civil rights violations.
National Immigration Resources:
Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Although intended for legal professionals to further their knowledge of immigrant issues, the ILRC provides community resources and helpful up-to-date information on immigrant youth, DACA, removal defense, U visa, T visa, VAWA, citizenship, naturalization, and asylum. It’s important to note ILRC does not provide legal services.
National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Resources
NNIRR works to fight for and protect the rights of all immigrants, no matter what their status. The organization is committed to all human rights and creates alliances with justice partners across the country.
Website that has lists of organizations across the country geared toward helping immigrants amidst the changes since the 2016 presidential election.
A guide through the immigration process. Includes resources for green card renewal, adjustment of status, travel documentation applications, immigration forms, and others.