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

  • New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) — 7 Hanover Square, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10004 · (212) 613-5000 · intake@nylag.org. Free legal help for immigrant families and individuals.
  • Make the Road New York (MRNY) — (718) 418-7690. Community centers in Bushwick (Brooklyn), Jackson Heights (Queens), Port Richmond (Staten Island), and Brentwood (Long Island); serves Latino and working-class immigrant communities.
  • Catholic Charities Community Services — (212) 419-3737. Free immigration legal services throughout New York City and seven Lower Hudson Valley counties (Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Sullivan).
  • African Services Committee — immigrant and refugee services in Harlem and beyond.
  • Sanctuary for Families — immigration help for survivors of domestic violence and trafficking.

New York State Office for New Americans (ONA) runs the New Americans Hotline: 1-800-566-7636 (Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat-Sun 9-5 ET; 200+ languages; anonymous). It answers immigration and naturalization questions and refers you to free legal help and Opportunity Centers near you. None of the organizations on this page pay us — these are public-interest referrals, not sponsored links.

National resources (available to New York 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.