Guides to using the resources in your community
What to expect, what to bring, and how to tell help is legitimate. Written for immigrant families, in Spanish and English. Not legal advice.
How to find a DOJ-accredited representative near you
Accredited representatives can give immigration legal help at low cost, without being lawyers. Here's who they are, what they can do, and how to check that one is real.
Read the guide →Notario fraud: how to tell legitimate help from a scam
Every year families lose money and cases to people who promise papers they can't deliver. Five checks that take ten minutes.
Read the guide →Going to a family violence shelter: what to expect and what to bring
Shelters help regardless of immigration status. What happens when you call, what to bring if you can, and what to do if you have nothing.
Read the guide →Free English classes: where to look in any city
Adult education centers, libraries and churches run free or nearly free ESL classes almost everywhere. How to find one, what levels mean, and how to register.
Read the guide →Community health clinics: how sliding fees work
Federally funded health centers see everyone, insured or not, documented or not, and charge by what you earn. What to bring and what a visit costs.
Read the guide →Using a food pantry for the first time
No papers, no shame. What pantries ask for, how often you can go, and how to find one that has Spanish-speaking volunteers.
Read the guide →Community Action Agencies: rent, utilities and heating help
Every county in America is covered by a Community Action Agency. What they pay for, who qualifies by income, and how to apply.
Read the guide →How to check that an immigration organization is legitimate
Three public lists, one phone call, and the questions to ask before you hand over documents or money.
Read the guide →What your public library does for immigrants, for free
A library card usually needs no immigration papers and opens internet, printing, English practice, citizenship classes and a quiet place to fill out forms.
Read the guide →How to find free legal help for immigration court
The government does not pay for a lawyer in immigration court, but the court itself publishes a list of nonprofits and attorneys who offer free help. Where to find it and how to use it.
Read the guide →How to check your immigration court date and case status
The immigration courts have a free phone line in English and Spanish, open 24 hours, and an online portal. All you need is your A-Number.
Read the guide →WIC: food and nutrition help for pregnant women, babies and young children
WIC is a federal nutrition program run by local agencies. Who it is for, how the income rule works, and how to apply, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's own pages.
Read the guide →How to find an emergency shelter tonight
Call 211 first. What the federal government's own pages say to do, the numbers for young people and for anyone fleeing violence, and how to use this directory.
Read the guide →The citizenship test: what it covers and where to study for free
The naturalization test has an English part and a civics part, and USCIS publishes the study materials for free. What the test covers, which civics version applies, and where to find a class.
Read the guide →Free tax preparation: how the IRS VITA program works
IRS-certified volunteers prepare basic tax returns for free at community sites. Who they generally serve, what to bring, and how to find a site that speaks Spanish.
Read the guide →Ready to understand your options?
Take the first step with a free, no-obligation eligibility check. In a few minutes you'll have a clearer picture of which pathways may apply.
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