Legal Services
Access free and low-cost immigration legal services across Illinois.
Illinois has a robust network of legal service providers ready to assist immigrants with a range of legal needs, from legal representation if you or a loved one is facing deportation to immigration relief workshops and legal consultations to ensure you and your family has what they need to stay protected. Many services are available at no cost through the Illinois Access to Justice program.
Find legal representation
Non-profit representation
The below organizations and programs provide free or low-cost legal screenings, case representation, and other support.
Illinois Access to Justice provides legal services and community navigation to communities across Illinois impacted by immigration and incarceration.
Online directory of providers, where you can enter your zip code to see which providers are closest to you:
Learn more about IL Access to Justice (A2J) Legal Services:
The Midwest Immigrant Defenders Alliance (MIDA) provides high-quality immigration legal services for free to detained immigrants.
If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, please contact 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693) to get connected to legal services, like MIDA.
To learn more about what to do if you or a loved one is detained, visit our Know Your Rights page.
Learn more about The Midwest Immigrant Defenders Alliance (MIDA):
Other Non-Profits Providing Free or Low-Cost Legal Assistance
Legal services that the National Immigrant Justice Center provides and how to schedule an appointment:
PDF of nonprofits providing immigration services for Illinois residents and many of the types of cases they handle:
private attorneys
Review your options, including name, address, languages, specialties, and contact information:
Other legal resources
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NAI
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Welcoming Center
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Legal workshops
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Immigrant Legal Support Program
Immigrant-serving organizations across the state provide free immigration assistance to eligible immigrants living in Illinois through the Immigrant Legal Support Program.
Services: Legal screenings, application help, preparation and accompaniment to an ICE check-in appointment or Immigration Court hearing.
Location: Statewide
Cost for Illinois Residents: Free
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Recent Arrivals Workshop
The National Immigrant Justice Center’s free legal workshop for immigrants living in the Chicago area who arrived in the United States on or after September 15, 2022 and are considering applying for asylum.
Services: Asylum
Location: Chicago
Cost for Illinois Residents: Free
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Citizenship & DACA Assistance
New Americans Initiative partner organizations offer office legal consultation to citizenship and/or DACA applicants on specific dates and times.
Services: Citizenship, DACA Renewal
Location: Statewide
Cost for Illinois Residents: Scholarships may be available for applicants with financial need
Avoid Immigration Fraud & Scams
What you should do / know when seeking immigration legal help:
If it sounds too good to be true…get a second opinion!
Always check the person’s credentials.
Get everything in writing and save copies of all documents.
Notaries cannot give legal advice, they can only verify someone’s identity
Immigration will only reach out via regular mail or automated messages.
Seek legal help from trusted sources! Use the guide below to prepare and protect yourself against fraud:
Learn key information about how to avoid fraud, digital scams, and where to report any violations: