These nonprofit organizations in Iowa 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 Iowa residents. Capacity is limited — call first; most require an appointment.

  • Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice — (515) 255-9809. Statewide free/low-cost immigration legal services (formed from Iowa JFON and AFSC Iowa): family-based petitions and adjustment, consular processing, DACA, asylum, TPS, VAWA, U visas, SIJS, green cards, naturalization, and detention/removal defense. Monthly clinics across Iowa.
  • Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque — Immigration Legal Services — 420 6th St SE, Suite 220, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 · (319) 364-7121. Affordable immigration legal services for ~29 northeast/eastern Iowa counties: family-based petitions and adjustment, asylum, DACA renewals, VAWA, SIJS, T/U visas, consular processing, work permits, naturalization, and removal defense. Toll-free 1-800-772-2758.
  • U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) Des Moines — 1200 University Ave, Suite 205, Des Moines, IA 50314 · (515) 528-7525. Immigration Legal Services Program providing low-cost representation in family- and humanitarian-based matters: green-card applications, naturalization, work permits, and anti-trafficking survivor help. (Narrower scope — not full removal defense.)
  • Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Sioux City — Welcome Program — 1601 Military Rd, Sioux City, IA 51103 · (712) 252-4547. ‘Welcome’ immigration program for northwest Iowa, with immigration legal services delivered by an accredited, licensed immigration attorney: consultations, eligibility assessment, and preparation of immigration applications. Satellite offices in Carroll, Spencer, and Fort Dodge.

Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice — Iowa’s de facto statewide immigration-legal hub — provides services statewide and maintains referrals to Iowa immigration attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives ((515) 255-9809). (Iowa Legal Aid does not handle immigration and refers these cases out.)

Iowa has no in-state immigration court; removal cases for Iowa residents are heard at the Omaha, NE immigration court. The U.S. Department of Justice (EOIR) publishes a List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers for that court. None of the organizations on this page pay us — these are public-interest referrals, not sponsored links.

National resources (available to Iowa 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: 2026-06-20.

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.