Division of Unaccompanied Children s Services (DUCS) Legal Access Project

Transcription

1 CENTER ON IMMIGRATION AND JUSTICE Division of Unaccompanied Children s Services (DUCS) Legal Access Project Pro Bono Referral Resource Guide DECEMBER 2011 ABOUT THIS RESOURCE: This resource contains a list of legal service organizations that provide free or low-cost immigration legal assistance and representation for non-detained children in immigration proceedings. This list is composed of mostly non-vera affiliated organizations, but we have included some Vera/DUCS Legal Access Project subcontractors here as well. The guide is organized alphabetically by state, one organization per page. The information shown on each page includes the types of legal assistance provided by each organization, the area(s) and Immigration courts served, and other relevant information. The Vera Institute of Justice hopes this referral resource guide helps you to obtain representation for immigrant children. BACKGROUND: In 2011, Vera ed a survey to hundreds of legal service organizations across the country that provide free or low-cost immigration legal assistance to children. This guide is based on these survey results. It is composed of organizations that: 1) responded to our survey and agreed to be listed in this directory, and 2) provide pro bono (or low cost) legal representation for non-detained children who are without counsel.

2 Providers are encouraged to contact the organization directly to ensure that the information provided here about non-vera subcontractor organizations is correct and current. The Vera Institute of Justice does not endorse any organizations listed in this directory nor does it express any views on the nature or quality of services provided. If you have questions or comments about this guide, please Note: Several DUCS Legal Access Project subcontractor organizations are omitted from this packet because they do not provide direct representation for released children, and/ or do not have the resources to accept cases. Contents 3 California 8 Colorado 9 Florida 13 Georgia 14 Illinois 15 Massachusetts 16 Minnesota Acknowledgments: We would like to thank Stephanie Shih, the summer intern who worked tirelessly on this project and ensured its creation (and completion). We are also grateful to all of the organizations that answered our survey and agreed to be listed in this resource. 19 Missouri 20 Nebraska 22 Nevada 24 New Jersey 26 New York 28 Oklahoma 29 Oregon 30 Pennsylvania 32 Texas 37 Virginia 38 Washington 40 Wisconsin 41 Additional resources 41 Resources for trafficking victims PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 2

3 California Los Angeles CENTRAL AMERICAN RESOURCE CENTER (CARECEN), LOS ANGELES 2845 West 7th St Los Angeles, CA Daniel Sharp (213) x153 Contact method for potential clients: Walk-in hours are Mondays from 9am- 4pm; Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am-12pm. Fee: $25 consultation, sliding scale for representation Immigration court(s) served: Los Angeles Counties/Cities covered: LA County (for removal cases, clients must live in LA County) Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, NACARA, Family-based claims Language capacity: Spanish > > CARECEN will represent released children and children with criminal/ delinquency histories. > > CARECEN does not provide immigration legal assistance for the following types of cases: SIJS, voluntary departure, cases in which no relief is available. > > CARECEN does not represent individuals who are currently detained. > > CARECEN offers the following additional services: Citizenship classes, technology education, after-school programs (academic enrichment and art). PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 3

4 California Los Angeles EL RESCATE 1501 W 8th Street, Suite 100 Los Angeles, CA Salvador Sanabria ssanabria@elrescate.org (213) Contact method for potential clients: Phone calls and walk-ins Fee: $20 to consult an immigration attorney that can further review applicant s case and/or situation Immigration court(s) served: Los Angeles Counties/Cities covered: Los Angeles County and surrounding cities Areas of immigration legal assistance: voluntary departure, Asylum, VAWA, Family-based claims, Cancellation of removal, TVPRA Language capacity: Spanish and Mayan Quiche > > El Rescate does not provide immigration legal assistance for the following types of cases: T-visa, U-visa, SIJS, cases in which no relief is available. > > El Rescate will represent released children; El Rescate will represent children with criminal/delinquency histories on a case-by-case basis. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 4

5 California Los Angeles PUBLIC COUNSEL 610 South Ardmore Avenue Los Angeles, CA Kristen Jackson (213) x157 Contact method for potential clients: Clients are seen by appointment only; call (213) x600 to make an appointment. Fee: None Immigration court(s) served: Public Counsel s services are focused on affirmative cases Counties/Cities covered: Los Angeles County Areas of immigration legal assistance: Affirmative cases involving: Asylum, SIJS, U-visa, T-visa, and VAWA Language capacity: Spanish and other languages on a case-by-case basis > > Public Counsel will accept children s cases with motions to suppress (in Immigration court) on a case-by-case basis; Public Counsel will represent children with criminal histories in affirmative cases only. > > Public Counsel focuses primarily on affirmative cases, but does not accept voluntary departure cases. > > Public Counsel also provides technical assistance on delinquency issues, SIJS, and children s asylum claims. > > Public Counsel has many project areas that can benefit clients. See the Public Counsel website ( for more information. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 5

6 California San Diego CASA CORNELIA LAW CENTER (Vera/DUCS Legal Access Project provider) 2760 Fifth Avenue, #200 San Diego, CA Andrea Santos (619) Immigration court(s) served: San Diego Immigration court Counties/Cities covered: San Diego County Casa Cornelia serves: > > Released children > > Children never detained by ORR > > Children with criminal/delinquency histories, but only in special cases Casa Cornelia provides free direct representation for the following types of cases: > > Asylum > > CAT claims > > Family-based claims > > SIJS > > T-visa > > U-visa > > VAWA > > Voluntary departure > > No relief available > > Other types of cases Age restrictions: For SIJS cases, the child must be 17.5 or younger. Language capacity: Spanish, Portuguese, German, and French PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 6

7 California San Francisco LEGAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN (LSC) (Vera/DUCS Legal Access Project provider) 1254 Market Street, 3rd Floor San Francisco, CA Reyna Burgos (415) x313 Immigration court(s) served: San Francisco Immigration court Counties/Cities covered: Primarily San Francisco and Oakland; Alameda, San Mateo, Contra Costa, and Marin on a limited basis LSC serves: > > Released children > > Children never detained by ORR > > Children with criminal/delinquency histories LSC provides free direct representation for the following types of cases: > > SIJS > > U-visa > > Voluntary departure Age restrictions: None Language capacity: Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin) and Spanish > > LSC also provides social services and related case management services to released children. > > LSC does not accept the following types of cases: Asylum CAT claims Family-based claims No relief available PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 7

8 Colorado Westminster ROCKY MOUNTAIN IMMIGRATION ADVOCACY NETWORK (RMIAN), CHILDREN S PROGRAM 3489 W. 72nd Avenue, Suite 211 Westminster, CO Kristin Petri kpetri@rmian.org (303) x104 Contact method for potential clients: Phone and ; no walk-ins Fee: None Immigration court(s) served: Anyone in Colorado and/or in removal proceedings in Denver Counties/Cities covered: Colorado State Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, voluntary departure, and other types of case, including Termination and TPS cases. RMIAN will represent children with no available relief on a case-by-case basis, depending on the availability of resources. Language capacity: Spanish and other languages, depending on availability of interpreters RMIAN will represent children with criminal/delinquency histories. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 8

9 Florida Miami AMERICANS FOR IMMIGRANT JUSTICE (AI JUSTICE) (Vera/DUCS Legal Access Project provider) 3000 Biscayne Boulevard, #400 Miami, FL Michelle Abarca (305) Immigration court(s) served: Miami Immigration court Counties/Cities covered: Miami-Dade and neighboring counties on a limited basis FIAC serves: > > Released children > > Children never detained by ORR > > Children with criminal/delinquency histories FIAC provides free or low-cost direct representation for the following types of cases: > > Asylum > > CAT claims > > Family-based claims > > SIJS > > T-visa > > U-visa > > VAWA claims > > Other types of cases Age restrictions: None Language capacity: Haitian Creole/Kreyol and Spanish AI Justice does not accept voluntary departure cases and cases in which no relief is available. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 9

10 Florida Orlando IMMIGRANTS RIGHTS CENTER 1468 South Semoran Boulevard Orlando, FL Miguel Mendizabal (407) Contact method for potential clients: Call for an appointment. Fee: No fee for unaccompanied immigrant children. Immigration court(s) served: Orlando Counties/Cities covered: Anyone scheduled to appear in Orlando Immigration court Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, voluntary departure, cases in which no relief is available, and most other forms of deportation defense Language capacity: Spanish > > Immigrants Rights Center will represent children with criminal/ delinquency histories. > > Immigrants Rights Center will not represent anyone scheduled for Miami Immigration court. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 10

11 Florida St. Petersburg GULFCOAST LEGAL SERVICES 641 First Street South St. Petersburg, FL Adriana Dinis (727) x243 Contact method for potential clients: Call (727) x229 to make an appointment. Fee: None Immigration court(s) served: Orlando Counties/Cities covered: Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, and other types of cases, including Cancellation of removal and CAT cases Language capacity: Spanish, Creole, and other languages depending on availability of interpreters > > Gulfcoast Legal Services will represent children with no available relief on a case-by-case basis; voluntary departure cases accepted on a caseby-case basis. > > Gulfcoast Legal Services will represent children with criminal/ delinquency histories. > > Gulfcoast Legal Services has additional office locations in Clearwater, Tampa, Bradenton, and Sarasota. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 11

12 Florida West Palm Beach FLORIDA EQUAL JUSTICE CENTER (FEJC) (Vera/DUCS Legal Access Project provider) 510 US Highway One, Suite #4 Fort Pierce, Florida Lisa Carmona (772) Immigration court(s) served: Orlando and Miami Immigration courts Counties/Cities covered: Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Indian River, Desoto, Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte FEJC serves: > > Released children > > Children never detained by ORR > > Children with criminal/delinquency histories FEJC provides free or low-cost direct representation for the following types of cases: > > Asylum > > SIJS > > T-visa > > U-visa > > VAWA claims Age restrictions: None Language capacity: Haitian Creole/Kreyol, Portuguese, Spanish > > FEJC does not accept the following types of cases: > > Family-based claims > > Voluntary departure > > No relief available PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 12

13 Georgia Atlanta GEORGIA ASYLUM AND IMMIGRATION NETWORK (GAIN) P.O. Box Atlanta, GA (Mailing address only) Monica Modi Khant (404) Contact method for potential clients: Call to make an appointment. Fee: None Immigration court(s) served: Atlanta Counties/Cities covered: Metro-Atlanta area Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, U-visa, T-visa, and VAWA; in general, GAIN provides pro bono legal representation for victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. Language capacity: Spanish, Hindi, and Gujarati GAIN does not represent children with criminal/delinquency histories, and does not provide representation for voluntary departure case and cases in which no relief is available. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 13

14 Illinois Chicago NATIONAL IMMIGRANT JUSTICE CENTER (NIJC) (Vera/DUCS Legal Access Project provider) 208 S. La Salle Street, Suite #1818 Chicago, IL Alexandra Fung (312) Immigration court(s) served: Chicago Immigration court Counties/Cities covered: All cases that fall within jurisdiction of the CIS offices in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Indianapolis NIJC serves: Released children; children never detained by ORR; children with criminal/delinquency histories, but only in special cases NIJC provides free or low-cost direct representation for the following types of cases: > > Asylum and appellate litigation > > CAT claims > > Cancellation of removal, suppression, and termination cases > > Family-based claims > > SIJS > > TPS > > T-visa > > U-visa > > VAWA claims > > Voluntary departure > > No relief available Age restrictions: None Language capacity: Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and other languages (if NIJC can locate a volunteer interpreter) PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 14

15 Massachusetts Lynn NEIGHBORHOOD LEGAL SERVICES 37 Friend Street, Suite 300 Lynn, MA June Beack (781) Contact method for potential clients: Clients should call one of the following numbers for an initial intake: (781) (781) (TTY) (toll free) Fee: No legal fees, but clients must pay for filing fees and other related costs. Immigration court(s) served: Boston Counties/Cities covered: Certain areas in Essex County and Northern Middlesex County; see website ( for more details. Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, and other cases involving deportation defense Language capacity: French, Portuguese, and Spanish > > Neighborhood Legal Services does not accept voluntary departure cases, or cases in which no relief is available. > > Neighborhood Legal Services represents children with criminal/ delinquency histories. > > Neighborhood Legal Services is a small organization and thus, can only accept a limited number of cases. > > Neighborhood Legal Services has another office location in Lawrence; call (978) for more information. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 15

16 Minnesota Minneapolis THE ADVOCATES FOR HUMAN RIGHTS 330 Second Avenue S., Suite 800 Minneapolis, MN Emily Good (612) Contact method for potential clients: Potential clients should call the intake hotline: (612) Fee: None Immigration court(s) served: Bloomington Counties/Cities covered: Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum and SIJS Language capacity: Spanish > > The Advocates for Human Rights does not generally represent children with criminal/delinquency histories. > > The Advocates for Human Rights does not accept voluntary departure cases, or cases in which no relief is available. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 16

17 Minnesota St. Paul CIVIL SOCIETY 1st National Bank Building 332 Minnesota Street, Suite E-1436 Saint Paul, MN Linda Miller (651) Contact method for potential clients: Phone and Fee: None Immigration court(s) served: Minnesota Counties/Cities covered: Minnesota Areas of immigration legal assistance: Various, as long as they pertain to the needs of victims of human trafficking Language capacity: The Civil Society uses Language Line, so most languages can be accommodated. Civil Society only serves victims of human trafficking, and can provide comprehensive victim services and representation, in some cases. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 17

18 Minnesota St. Paul IMMIGRANT LAW CENTER OF MINNESOTA 450 N. Syndicate Street, Suite 175 St. Paul, MN Cynthia Anderson (651) Contact method for potential clients: Potential clients should call for an intake, although new client intakes are restricted to specific hours; please call for more information. Legal service providers can also call (651) if they have urgent case questions. Fee: Donations are greatly appreciated, but services are not contingent on ability to donate. Immigration court(s) served: Bloomington Counties/Cities covered: Minnesota Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, voluntary departure, and cases in which no relief is available Language capacity: Arabic, Burmese, French, Hmong, Karen, Karenni, Somali, and other languages upon request The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota will represent children with criminal/ delinquency histories. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 18

19 Missouri St. Louis CATHOLIC IMMIGRATION LAW PROJECT 321 N. Spring Avenue St. Louis, MO Hannah Willmann (314) Contact method for potential clients: Call for an appointment; walk-ins not accepted. Fee: None for qualifying clients Immigration court(s) served: Kansas City Counties/Cities covered: Archdiocese of Saint Louis Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, Cancellation of removal, CAT, Family-based claims, voluntary departure, and cases in which no relief is available Language capacity: Bosnian and Spanish The Catholic Immigration Law Project will represent children with criminal/ delinquency histories on a case-by-case basis. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 19

20 Nebraska Lincoln CENTER FOR LEGAL IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE 3047 N. 70th Street Lincoln, NE Max Graves (402) Contact method for potential clients: Call to schedule an appointment. Fee: Sliding scale Immigration court(s) served: Omaha Counties/Cities covered: Nebraska Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, Cancellation of removal, NACARA, and voluntary departure Language capacity: Spanish > > The Center for Legal Immigration Assistance does not accept clients with histories of domestic violence, nor will the organization accept cases in which no relief is available. > > The Center for Legal Immigration Assistance prioritizes U-visa cases. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 20

21 Nebraska Omaha JUSTICE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS (JFON) 2414 E Street Omaha, Nebraska Darling Handlos darling@jfon-ne.org (402) Contact method for potential clients: Potential clients should call on the first day of the month. Fee: None Immigration court(s) served: Omaha Counties/Cities covered: Nebraska, but especially the Omaha metro area Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, Cancellation of removal, and cases in which no relief is available Language capacity: Spanish > > JFON does not accept voluntary departure cases. > > JFON provides additional referral services and Know Your Rights clinics. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 21

22 Nevada Las Vegas LEGAL AID CENTER OF SOUTHERN NEVADA 800 S. 8th Street Las Vegas, NV Lynn Etkins (702) x165 Contact method for potential clients: Children in need of services should call (702) Fee: None Immigration court(s) served: Southern Nevada Counties/Cities covered: Southern Nevada and Clark County Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, voluntary departure, and cases in which no relief is available Language capacity: Spanish; will obtain interpreters for other languages if needed The Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada will represent children with criminal/delinquency histories. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 22

23 Nevada Reno NEVADA HISPANIC SERVICES, INC Neil Road #2 Reno, Nevada F. Woodside Wright (775) Contact method for potential clients: Appointments and walk-ins Fee: Nominal fees; clients referred via EOIR or USCIS are generally not charged for services Immigration court(s) served: Las Vegas Counties/Cities covered: Northern Nevada Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, voluntary departure, and family-based claims; will accept cases in which no relief is available on a case-by-case basis Language capacity: Spanish Nevada Hispanic Services will represent children with criminal/delinquency histories. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 23

24 New Jersey Pennsauken AFRICAN HISPANIC IMMIGRATION ORGANIZATION (AHIO) 4815 Westfield Avenue Pennsauken, NJ Luc M. Phone: (856) Contact method for potential clients: Call (856) for an appointment. Fee: If the client qualifies, services are free; a nominal fee is charged for other clients that do not meet the organization s criteria. Initial consultations are free of charge. Immigration court(s) served: Elizabeth, Newark, and Philadelphia Immigration courts Counties/Cities covered: South Jersey, North Jersey, and the Philadelphia area Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, Cancellation of removal, voluntary departure, family-based petitions, deferred action in removal proceedings, and cases in which no relief is available Language capacity: Arabic, French, Italian, and Spanish > > AHIO will represent children with criminal/delinquency histories. > > AHIO offers additional services, such as citizenship preparation classes and programs for victims of domestic violence. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 24

25 New Jersey Plainfield EL CENTRO HISPANO AMERICANO 525 East Front Street Plainfield, NJ (Basement of United Presbyterian Church) Sylvia Hernandez Phone: (908) Contact method for potential clients: Call to make an appointment. Fee: $450 for court appearances Immigration court(s) served: Newark Counties/Cities covered: Anyone appearing in Newark Immigration court Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, TPS, voluntary departure, family-based petitions, and cases in which no relief is available. Other services include work authorizations, naturalizations, and residency paperwork. Language capacity: Portuguese and Spanish > > El Centro Hispano Americano does not represent children with criminal/delinquency histories. > > El Centro Hispano Americano also provides social services, such as ESL classes and referrals to social services related to health and mental health services, job training, food stamps, and rent and utility assistance. El Centro Hispano Americano can also help clients with securing food and shelter. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 25

26 New York New York CATHOLIC CHARITIES COMMUNITY SERVICES (CCCS) (Vera/DUCS Legal Access Project provider) 1011 First Avenue New York, NY Ryan Dooley (212) Immigration court(s) served: New York Immigration court (6 Federal Plaza and 201 Varick Street) Counties/Cities covered: New York City, Westchester, Rockland, Dutchess, Putnam, Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan CCCS serves: Released children, based on in-house capacity CCCS provides free or low-cost direct representation for the following types of cases: Asylum; cancellation of removal; CAT claims; family-based claims and TPS; SIJS; T-visa; U-visa; VAWA claims Age restrictions: None Language capacity: Albanian, French, Hindi, Japanese, Polish, Punjabi, Romanian, Spanish, Urdu > > CCCS prioritizes continuity of service to minors released locally from Children s Village shelters in Dobbs Ferry, NY. Therefore, CCCS provides direct legal services to minors released from shelters in other jurisdictions only in special situations. > > CCCS provides case management services (including assistance with school enrollment and access to health care) to children released from the Children s Village shelters located in Dobbs Ferry, NY and as part of the Legal Orientation for Custodians Program (LOPC). PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 26

27 New York New York THE DOOR 555 Broome Street New York, NY Helen Pundurs (212) x3288 Contact method for potential clients: Clients can contact the Legal Services Office at (212) x3280 to schedule an appointment; walk-in hours are Monday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Fee: None, but clients might have to pay for filing fees and other related expenses. Immigration court(s) served: New York Immigration courts, including 26 Federal Plaza and Varick Street Counties/Cities covered: All five boroughs of New York, and Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, voluntary departure, family-based claims, TPS, and cases involving motions to terminate based on due process violations. The Door will also accept cases in which no relief is available, and administrative closure cases involving the DREAM Act and prosecutorial discretion. Language capacity: French and Spanish > > The Door will represent children with criminal/delinquency histories. > > The Door also provides a plethora of social services, including counseling, runaway and homeless youth services, LGBTQ-specific services, and medical and dental services. Please visit door.org/ for more information. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 27

28 Oklahoma Oklahoma CATHOLIC CHARITIES, IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 1501 N. Classen Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK Margie Solis (405) Contact method for potential clients: Call (405) to make an appointment. Fee: Nominal fee charged Immigration court(s) served: Oklahoma City Counties/Cities covered: Western Oklahoma Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, voluntary departure, cancellation of removal, and cases in which no relief is available Language capacity: Spanish Catholic Charities does not represent children with criminal/delinquency histories. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 28

29 Oregon Portland IMMIGRATION COUNSELING SERVICE (ICS) (Vera/DUCS Legal Access Project provider) 519 S. W. Park Avenue, Suite #610 Portland, OR Anna Ciesielski (503) Immigration court(s) served: Oregon Immigration court Counties/Cities covered: All Oregon counties and some southern Washington counties ICS serves: > > Released children > > Children never detained by ORR > > Children with criminal/delinquency histories ICS provides free or low-cost direct representation for the following types of cases: > > Asylum > > SIJS > > Family-based claims > > T-visa > > U-visa > > VAWA claims > > Voluntary departure > > No relief available Age restrictions: None Language capacity: Spanish ICS does not accept CAT claims cases. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 29

30 Pennsylvania Philadelphia CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES, IMMIGRATION PROGRAM 227 N. 18th Street Philadelphia, PA Mark Shea (215) Contact method for potential clients: Potential clients seeking legal assistance must call (215) to schedule a consultation; walk-ins are not accepted. Fee: Initial fee of $40 for consultation; fees for all other services are low in comparison to private counsel. Immigration court(s) served: All geographical areas that fall within the jurisdiction of the Philadelphia Immigration court and the Philadelphia District Office of USCIS, which includes areas of Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Counties/Cities covered: No restrictions see above. Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, and voluntary departure Language capacity: Spanish > > Catholic Social Services does not accept cases in which no relief is available. > > Catholic Social Services will represent children with criminal/ delinquency histories. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 30

31 Pennsylvania Pittsburgh JEWISH FAMILY & CHILDREN S SERVICE OF PITTSBURGH 5743 Bartlett Street Pittsburgh, PA Jamie Englert jenglert@jfcspgh.org (412) Contact method for potential clients: and phone calls Fee: Fees are charged on a sliding scale based on a client s income; sometimes, a nominal flat rate fee is charged, but many clients ultimately receive free legal representation. Immigration court(s) served: Philadelphia (via televideo to Pittsburgh) Counties/Cities covered: Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia Areas of immigration legal assistance: SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, voluntary departure, CAT, family-based claims, and cases in which no relief is available. U-visa Language capacity: Arabic, French, Karen, Nepali, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, and Spanish > > Jewish Family & Children s Service does not accept asylum cases, but has an extensive referral list for individuals seeking representation for asylum cases. > > Jewish Family & Children s Service will represent children with criminal/delinquency histories. > > Jewish Family & Children s Service provides social services, such as clinical psychotherapy and counseling, adoption services, critical needs assistance, career development counseling, and caregiver services. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 31

32 Texas Dallas HUMAN RIGHTS INITIATIVE OF NORTH TEXAS 2801 Swiss Avenue Dallas, Texas Melissa Weaver (214) Contact method for potential clients: Potential clients should call (214) for a phone screening; walk-ins are not accepted. Fee: None, but clients are asked to pay for certain services, such as filing and service fees. Immigration court(s) served: Dallas Counties/Cities covered: Dallas-Fort Worth and outlying areas Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, I-246 Stay of Deportation; in some cases, Human Rights Initiative of North Texas will accept voluntary departure cases, and cases in which no relief is available. Language capacity: Spanish > > The Human Rights Initiative of North Texas occasionally represents children with minor criminal/delinquency histories, but will not represent clients with extensive criminal/delinquency backgrounds. > > The Human Rights Initiative of North Texas also provides referrals for clients seeking resources related to education and ESL classes, housing, and counseling services. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 32

33 Texas El Paso DIOCESAN MIGRANT & REFUGEE SERVICES, INC. (DMRS) (Vera/DUCS Legal Access Project provider) 2400 E. Yandell Street El Paso, TX Michelle Martinez (915) x236 Immigration court(s) served: El Paso Immigration court Counties/Cities covered: Brewster, Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Loving, Presidio, Reeves, Ward, and Winkler counties DMRS serves: Released children; children never detained by ORR; children with criminal/delinquency histories DMRS provides free or low-cost direct representation for the following types of cases: > > Asylum > > CAT claims > > Citizenship claims > > Family-based claims > > SIJS (DMRS accepts SIJS cases that require representation in family/ juvenile courts located outside of El Paso County.) > > T-visa > > U-visa > > VAWA claims Age restrictions: 17.5 and younger Language capacity: Spanish DMRS does not accept voluntary departure cases and cases in which no relief is available. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 33

34 Texas Houston CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF HOUSTON, CABRINI CENTER FOR IMMIGRANT LEGAL ASSISTANCE (Vera/DUCS Legal Access Project provider) 2900 Louisiana Street Houston, TX Viridiana Pulido (713) Immigration court(s) served: Houston Immigration court Counties/Cities covered: Harris, Galveston, Brazoria, Montgomery, and Fort Bend Cabrini serves: > > Released children > > Children never detained by ORR > > Children with juvenile criminal/delinquency histories Cabrini provides free or low-cost direct representation for the following types of cases: > > Asylum > > CAT claims > > Family-based claims > > SIJS > > T-visa > > U-visa > > VAWA claims Age restrictions: Must be 17.5 or younger Language capacity: Arabic, French, Farsi/Persian, Spanish, and Vietnamese Cabrini does not accept voluntary departure cases and cases in which no relief is available. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 34

35 Texas Houston TAHIRIH JUSTICE CENTER 1717 Saint James Place, Suite 320 Houston, TX Hillary Mellinger (713) Contact method for potential clients: Call (713) to make an appointment. Fee: None Immigration court(s) served: Houston Counties/Cities covered: Houston Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, voluntary departure, CAT (if case involves gender-based violence), and cases in which no relief is available Language capacity: In-house capacity for Arabic, Chinese, French, and Spanish > > Tahirih Justice Center will represent children with criminal/ delinquency histories. > > Tahirih Justice Center also provides social services. > > Tahirih Justice Center has another office location in Falls Church, Virginia. (See page 37.) PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 35

36 Texas San Antonio REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT CENTER FOR EDUCATION AND LEGAL SERVICES (RAICES) (Vera/DUCS Legal Access Project provider) 1305 N. Flores Street San Antonio, TX Alexandra Minnaar (210) x14 Immigration court(s) served: San Antonio Immigration court Counties/Cities covered: All cities and counties that fall within the jurisdiction of the San Antonio Immigration court or the San Antonio USCIS office. RAICES serves: > > Released children > > Children never detained by ORR > > Children with criminal/delinquency histories RAICES provides free or low-cost direct representation for the following types of cases: > > Asylum > > CAT claims > > Family-based claims > > SIJS > > T-visa > > U-visa > > VAWA > > Voluntary departure > > No relief available Age restrictions: None Language capacity: French, Spanish, Tigrinya, Amharic, and Italian PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 36

37 Virginia Falls Church TAHIRIH JUSTICE CENTER 6402 Arlington Boulevard, Suite 300 Falls Church, VA Hillary Mellinger (713) Contact method for potential clients: Call (571) to make an appointment. Fee: None Immigration court(s) served: Virginia Counties/Cities covered: DC metropolitan area Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, voluntary departure, CAT (if case involves gender-based violence), and cases in which no relief is available Language capacity: Tahirih Justice Center can obtain interpreters for most languages. > > Tahirih Justice Center will represent children with criminal/ delinquency histories. > > Tahirih Justice Center also provides social services. > > Tahirih Justice Center has another office location in Houston, Texas. (See page 35.) PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 37

38 Washington Seattle NORTHWEST IMMIGRANT RIGHTS PROJECT 615 Second Avenue, Suite 400 Seattle, WA Mike Peters (206) Contact method for potential clients: Call (206) to make an appointment. Fee: NWIRP does not charge for juvenile matters involving SIJS, removal defense, VAWA relief, and T-visa and U-visa cases Immigration court(s) served: Seattle and Tacoma Counties/Cities covered: Washington State Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, CAT, Family-based claims, TPS, and Cancellation of removal, and other cases involving challenges to charges of removability Language capacity: Arabic, Mandarin, and Spanish > > NWIRP will not represent children with cases in which no relief is available, nor voluntary departure cases. > > NWIRP will represent children with criminal/delinquency histories. > > NWIRP has another office location in Granger; call (509) for more information. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 38

39 Washington Seattle VOLUNTEER ADVOCATES FOR IMMIGRANT JUSTICE (VAIJ) (Vera/DUCS Legal Access Project provider) rd Avenue, Suite #4800 Seattle, WA Rebekah Fletcher (206) Immigration court(s) served: Seattle and Tacoma Immigration courts Counties/Cities covered: King and Pierce; Thurston, Snohomish, and Whatcom (on a limited basis) VAIJ serves: > > Released children > > Children never detained by ORR, on a case by case basis > > Children with criminal/delinquency histories VAIJ provides free or low-cost direct representation for the following types of cases: > > Asylum > > CAT claims > > SIJS > > T-visa > > U-visa > > VAWA claims > > Voluntary departure Age restrictions: For SIJS cases, minor cannot be older than Language capacity: Spanish PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 39

40 Wisconsin Milwaukee CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE 731 W. Washington Street Milwaukee, WI Barb Graham and Victor Paredes (414) x18 Contact method for potential clients: Call to make an appointment; walk-ins accepted in emergency situations. Fee: Nominal fee; will not charge clients who cannot afford to pay for services. Immigration court(s) served: Chicago Counties/Cities covered: Archdiocese of Milwaukee Areas of immigration legal assistance: Asylum, SIJS, T-visa, U-visa, VAWA, voluntary departure, TPS, cancellation of removal, and cases in which no relief is available Language capacity: Catholic Charities has in-house capacity for French and Spanish, with additional access to over 30 languages, including Albanian, Burmese, Serbian, Somali, and Hmong. > > Catholic Charities will represent children with criminal history on a case-by-case basis. > > Catholic Charities provides additional social services at other Catholic Charities office locations, including mental health counseling. PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 40

41 Additional Resources Below is a list of organizations that provide legal and social services to immigrants and their families. These organizations asked the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to inform Vera about the services they provide to trafficking victims. Please note that these organizations did not fill out the Vera survey (referenced on the cover page). As always, practitioners are encouraged to contact organizations directly to confirm availability and quality of services. RESOURCES FOR TRAFFICKING VICTIMS Sacramento Employment and Training Agency s (SETA) Rescue & Restore Program SETA provides employment and social services to refugees, asylees, and victims of human trafficking. SETA provides services to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information about SETA s work, visit: community/about-seta-refugee-program/. Areas served: Sacramento, Fairfield, some areas close to San Francisco Mary Jennings, Program Director mjenning@delpaso.seta.net (916) Safe Horizon, Inc. Safe Horizon provides many types of services, including mental health and related social services, housing and referral assistance, and legal services. For more information about Safe Horizon s work, visit: Areas served: Second contact: New York City, parts of New Jersey and Long Island Avaloy Lanning, Senior Director avaloy.lanning@safehorizon.org (718) Fiona Mason, Supervising Social Worker fiona.mason@safehorizon.org (718) Mosaic Family Services Mosaic Family Services is a non-profit community-based organization that provides culturally and linguistically competent services to refugees and immigrants in crisis. To learn more about Mosaic s work, visit: mosaicservices.org/. Areas served: Dallas and surrounding areas in North Texas Laura Burstein, Legal Program Director laurab@mosaicservices.org (214) x257 PRO BONO REFERRAL RESOURCE GUIDE 41

42 233 Broadway, 12th Floor New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212)