Legal Services
Our attorneys and advocates provide consultations and legal representation to vulnerable and marginalized immigrants living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Most of our services are free. Some services are based on a below market-rate fee. The fee varies depending on your income, the type of case and the level of complexity.
Humanitarian Relief for Survivors of Abuse and Violence
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U Visa
Immigrants who have been victims of certain violent crimes in the U.S., such as domestic violence or assault, may be eligible for a U visa. The crime must have been reported to law enforcement, often the police. The victim must have cooperated with the criminal investigation and suffered substantial mental or physical harm. A U-visa is a pathway to a work permit, green card and citizenship.
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VAWA
VAWA stands for the Violence Against Women Act. Domestic violence survivors who have been abused by their U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident spouse or parent may apply for legal immigration status on their own, without the help of the abusive spouse or parent. VAWA is a pathway to a work permit, green card and citizenship.
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Asylum
Immigrants who are afraid to return to their home country due to persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group may be eligible for asylum. Applicants for asylum are eligible for a work permit while their case is pending. Asylum is a pathway to a green card and citizenship.
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SIJS
SIJS stands for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Children and youth under age 21 who have been abused, abandoned or neglected by a parent may be eligible for SIJS. They are placed under the care of responsible adult guardians in the U.S. SIJS is a pathway to a work permit, a green card and citizenship.
Family Based Immigration
U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents may apply for certain family members to become legal permanent residents. Family members who live outside the U.S. must apply for an immigrant visa from a U.S. consulate overseas before they can enter the U.S. and get their green card. Some family members who are already in the U.S. may be eligible to change their immigration status and get their green card while remaining in the U.S.
Citizenship
Legal permanent residents may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship or to "naturalize" after living in the U.S. for 3 or 5 years. They must pass an English and U.S. civics test. Some individuals who have had their green card for 15-20 years may be permitted to take their citizenship test in their native language. Persons with certain medical conditions may also be exempt from parts of the test.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Immigrants who came to the U.S. as children before age 16 and meet other educational requirements may be eligible for protection from deportation. DACA provides immigrants with a work permit that may be renewed but is not a pathway to citizenship.
Deportation Defense
Immigrants who are in deportation or removal proceedings may be eligible for certain types of immigration benefits. They include asylum, U visa, VAWA, SIJS or adjustment of status through a family member. We are unable to represent individuals who are currently detained by the Department of Homeland Security.
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