Immigration legal aid is offered to foreign nationals who are in the United States and may be subject to deportation. This is also known as removal defense, which means that an immigration attorney will defend your rights regarding deportation. The assistance provided by a lawyer varies, but it usually includes preparing applications for certain types of visas, such as asylum or residency; filing proceedings before the Immigration Court; representing clients at hearings and appellate court proceedings; providing advice regarding eligibility for waivers of inadmissibility or deportation; providing advice on eligibility for adjustment of status based on marriage; and representing clients at administrative interviews conducted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Defining Immigration Legal Aid
Immigration legal aid (also known as pro bono or free legal services) is a service that provides free or low-cost legal assistance to immigrants. When you get immigration legal aid, an attorney will help you with your immigration case without charging you any money.
A person can get immigration legal aid if they are not able to afford an attorney on their own and do not qualify for another type of government-funded program like Legal Services Corporation programs or state-funded programs supported by the federal government such as New York’s Office of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA). There are two types of organizations that provide this type of service: nonprofits and private law firms that offer pro bono work as part of their mission statement. Often, these organizations provide free legal services to individuals who meet certain criteria. If you qualify for immigration legal aid, the attorney will take on your case for free or at a reduced price (usually around $100 per hour).
What You Need to Know About Immigration Legal Aid
What is Immigration Legal Aid? Immigration legal aid is a government program that provides free or low-cost legal services to immigrants and refugees. There are many types of immigration cases, but the most common ones involve applying for asylum, family-based petitions, U visas, and other nonimmigrant visa applications. To be eligible for these services you must meet certain criteria such as income level or citizenship status.
How Do I Apply? When applying for immigration legal aid there are two options:
- You can apply directly with an organization like Catholic Charities USA, or
- You can go through your local bar association or law school clinic where they will help you fill out the application form on your behalf (and provide additional support).
The application process can take anywhere from six months up until two years depending on how long it takes for your case to move forward in court proceedings so make sure you start early!
Working with a Qualified Attorney for Your Immigration Case
Find a lawyer who is qualified to help you. The best way to find an attorney who is qualified to handle your case is by searching for one that has experience in immigration law and/or criminal defense. Make sure the lawyer is licensed in your state. Check with your local bar association or state court website to see if they have information on attorneys’ licenses, disciplinary actions taken against them (if any), and whether they’ve ever been suspended or disbarred from practicing law. You can also check out our article on how to hire a good lawyer for more tips!
Ask about their fees and payment options before signing anything: Make sure that you understand what fees will be charged upfront so there aren’t any surprises later on down the road when it comes time for payment especially since many lawyers don’t accept clients who cannot afford their services due to lack of funds needed upfront as well as future expenses such as filing fees required at various stages throughout proceedings such as motions made during trial proceedings etcetera.
How Do You Apply for Immigration Legal Aid?
To apply for immigration legal aid, you must complete an online application. After you submit your information, the Legal Aid Society will review it and get back to you with a decision. You can also apply in person at one of the organization’s offices. The process may take longer if you choose these options because there are fewer staff members available to help applicants complete paperwork and answer questions about their cases. If possible, it is best if applicants fill out their applications before visiting any offices so they don’t have any questions when they arrive at the location where they plan on submitting their documents this saves time for both parties involved!
Find Out More About the Process of Immigrant Legal Assistance
First and foremost, it’s important to know if you qualify for any kind of help. Immigration laws are constantly changing, so there may be some things that aren’t covered by your specific situation. Also, take note of what services are available and how they can help with your case. If possible, try doing some research on this topic before contacting an attorney or organization; it’ll give them a better idea of what they can do for you when they speak with you over the phone or in person. Additionally, make sure that all paperwork is completed correctly if there are mistakes on forms sent out by lawyers (or even ones filled out by yourself), these could cause delays later down the road when applying for citizenship status!
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand what immigration legal aid is and how it can help you. If you’re in need of immigrant legal assistance, take some time to find out more about the process. It’s important to work with a qualified attorney who knows how to navigate complex immigration laws so that they can provide the best possible outcome for your case.