These nonprofit organizations in California offer FREE or low-cost immigration legal help. If you need help with DACA, asylum, citizenship, deportation, or any immigration case, contact these options BEFORE paying private fees.

These nonprofits provide free or low-cost immigration legal services to California residents. Capacity is limited — call first; most require an appointment.

  • CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights) — 2533 W. 3rd St., Suite 101, Los Angeles, CA 90057 · 1-888-624-4752 or (213) 353-1333. Deportation defense, family immigration (U-visa, VAWA), DACA renewals and citizenship, campus services, and worker rights regardless of immigration status.
  • Centro Legal de la Raza — 3400 E. 12th St., Oakland, CA 94601 · (510) 437-1554. Immigration, tenant, and workers’-rights legal services in the Bay Area.
  • Public Counsel — 610 S. Ardmore Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90005 · (213) 385-2977 (by appointment, M-F 9-5). Asylum and broader immigration representation.
  • California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation — (916) 446-7904. Serves farmworker and rural immigrant communities statewide.
  • Asian Americans Advancing Justice — legal help focused on Asian and Pacific Islander immigrant communities.

California Immigration Services Funding (ISF) Program — California funds nonprofits to give free immigration legal services, with an official directory organized by region (Northern California, Central Valley, Bay Area, Central Coast, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Inland Empire). This is the best place to find a free provider near you. State Immigration Services Unit: (916) 651-8017 · ImmigrationServices@dss.ca.gov.

None of the organizations on this page pay us — these are public-interest referrals, not sponsored links.

National resources (available to California residents)

Directories and hotlines

Specific-case hotlines

  • Asylum: RAICES (1-866-RAICES-4), CLINIC asylum line
  • Detention: NIPNLG (1-800-867-2924)
  • VAWA / domestic violence: 1-800-799-SAFE (national line)
  • Human trafficking victims: National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888

⚠️ Important: Avoid fraudulent “notarios”

AVOID PEOPLE CALLING THEMSELVES “NOTARIO PÚBLICO” FOR IMMIGRATION if not attorneys or BIA-accredited reps. US notary publics are NOT attorneys (unlike Latin America). People without legal credentials practicing immigration are violating federal law.

Verify credentials:

How to prepare for consultation

  1. Bring ALL documents: passport, green card if any, USCIS letters, criminal records, tax returns, evidence of family relationship, immigration status history
  2. Be HONEST: even about criminal records or past issues. Attorney needs FULL truth to defend you well.
  3. Ask about timelines and possible outcomes
  4. Confirm cost (if applicable) in writing before committing
  5. Bring translator if your English is limited

Last verified: 2026-06-16.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.