Thousands of foreign-born people have been placed in legal uncertainty in recent years due to changes to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and avenues to legal stay for spouses of U.S. citizens, despite Harris County having more than 1.3 million foreign-born residents, according to Census data.
Programs that safeguard a large number of immigrants in the United States have been terminated by President Donald Trump. Legal assistance organizations have advised these residents to give priority to any ongoing legal actions.
Numerous choices exist for low-cost or free legal assistance. Today, the following organizations are concentrating on assisting immigrant families in Houston:
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Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Through the St. Frances Cabrini Center for Immigrant Legal Assistance, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston provides pro bono and inexpensive legal assistance to immigrants and refugees.
Services include legal assistance for asylum cases, DACA, applications for citizenship and Temporary Protected Status (TPS), family petitions, visas for victims of crime, deportation defense, and education about your rights.
Requirements: Each situation will have different requirements. Charlas is invited by the organization to do on-site case assessments three times a month.
Cost: Pre-registration on their website is required, but consultations are free.
How to reach them: Give 713-595-4100 a call for additional information. Email [email protected] with any queries. Email [email protected] with any inquiries about Charla.
Church World Service-Houston
A nonprofit organization called CWS Houston provides low-cost legal help and supportive services to unaccompanied minors, immigrants, asylum seekers, and other new arrivals and mixed-migration groups.
Types of services include TPS, mental health treatment, legal assistance in asylum claims, case management for refugees, and education about your rights.
Requirements: Grant requirements determine eligibility.
Cost: Depending on the service and income level, costs may differ.
How to get in touch: Send an email to [email protected] or phone 346-200-9951 with any questions or concerns.
Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project
Low-income immigrants in the Galveston-Houston area can receive legal assistance from the organization Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project (GHIRP).
Services include assistance with applications for citizenship, DACA, TPS, asylum, removal defense, special immigrant juvenile status, work authorization documents, and visas for victims of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and criminality.
There are no requirements.
Cost: Free advice and help with some applications are provided.
How to reach them: Call 1-866-301-3901 or 713-561-3059 for Galveston and Houston queries. Additionally, you can send them an email at [email protected].
Events coming up: TPS and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) application workshops are being held. Call 713-561-3059 or send an email to [email protected] for additional information.
Every second Wednesday of the month, at 9 p.m., Galveston residents can attend Know Your Rights workshops at St. Vincent’s House, 2817 Post Office St.
On the third Wednesday of each month, Houston hosts free walk-in consultations for victims of human trafficking and crime at 6001 Savoy Drive, Ste. 400, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Free general immigration consultations are available every fourth Tuesday of the month at 8:30 a.m. at 6001 Savoy Drive, Ste. 400.
Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative
A network of neighborhood organizations called the Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative are collaborating to expand access to comprehensive legal services in the Houston region.
Types of services: The partnership provides information on immigration laws, links to low-cost and free legal services, social assistance, immigrant rights organizations, and other resources via the Houston Immigrant Resource Hotline.
How to get in touch: Dial 1-833-468-4664 to reach the hotline. 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.
Requirements: To use the hotline, there are no particular prerequisites.
Cost: Depending on income level, costs may differ.
Justice for All Immigrants
A nonprofit group called Justice for All Immigrants provides people in Houston, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi with reasonably priced immigration legal services, advocacy, and education.
Assistance with citizenship applications, DACA, TPS, know your rights, deportation defense for detained individuals, asylum cases, and humanitarian visas, such as those related to the Violence Against Women Act and other victims of crimes, are among their service categories.
Requirements: People with low incomes who are below the poverty line are the organization’s primary emphasis.
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Cost: May differ according to grant eligibility and income level.
How to get in touch: Call 713-454-6470 to make an appointment or for additional information.
Memorial Assistance Ministries
For residents of the Houston region, Memorial Assistance Ministries provides low-cost and free immigration services. It helps those with modest incomes by providing information, education, and legal support.
Services offered include assistance with DACA and citizenship applications, classes to prepare for citizenship interviews, and limited U-visa and family petition cases.
Requirements: Residents of the Houston area or a nearby county must have incomes below 400 percent of the federal poverty threshold.
Cost: While assistance with citizenship is free, a small legal cost is needed for assistance with other kinds of issues.
How to get in touch: Their website allows you to register for consultations here. Additionally, you can contact [email protected] or give 713-929-9280 a call.
Events to come: On Friday, February 28, 2025, a citizenship clinic will be place. Candidates must register online at this link.
Tahirih Justice Center
Women, girls, and immigrants of all genders who have experienced gender-based violence and are currently living in the United States are served by the nonprofit Tahirih Justice Center. In addition to training and education, the group provides free legal assistance and social services.
Services offered include interdisciplinary legal and social services for immigrants who have experienced gender-based violence, asylum, family reunification, citizenship, and applications for permanent residency.
Requirements: Its services target affected family members and those who are experiencing or escaping gender-based violence.
Cost: For those who qualify, services are provided at no cost.
How to reach them: For information, recommendations, and help, call 1-866-575-0071.
YMCA International Services
Through the YMCA of Greater Houston, local citizens can receive legal advice and representation as part of the YMCA International Services Programs.
Types of services:Assistance with asylum cases, DACA and TPS applications, deportation defense, citizenship and permanent residency, crime survivors visas, Afghan Legal Services, Ukrainian Legal Services, representation for certain Unaccompanied Minors.
Requirements: Before beginning immigration legal services, all interested members of the community must have a consultation with a legal representative.
Cost: Vary according to financial level. Pro bono representation may be available to anyone whose income is less than or equivalent to 200 percent of the federal poverty requirements.How to get in touch:For a consultation, give 713-758-9280 a call.
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