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

  • Catholic Charities of South Carolina — Immigration Legal Services — 127 St Philip St, Charleston, SC 29403 · (843) 388-0089. Low-cost immigration legal help with attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives: family-based petitions, green cards/adjustment of status, naturalization, DACA, TPS, work permits, U visas, VAWA, and travel documents. Also Greenville (864) 274-0141 and Conway (843) 347-1441.
  • Charleston Legal Access — 1816 Success Street, Unit 102, Charleston, SC 29405 · (843) 640-5980. Nonprofit law firm with a full-representation immigration practice: asylum, removal/deportation defense, family-based immigration, naturalization, DACA/TPS, and humanitarian U/T visas for crime and trafficking survivors. ~$80 consultation.
  • South Carolina Legal Services — 1-888-346-5592. Free statewide civil legal aid for low-income residents; immigration representation is limited to victim/humanitarian relief — VAWA self-petitions, U visas (crime victims), and T visas (trafficking victims), across 10 SC offices. Does not handle general asylum or removal defense.
  • Carolina Immigrant Alliance — 1067 Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill, SC 29732 · (803) 619-5012. Low-cost immigration legal clinic in Rock Hill (York County): preparation and filing of immigration applications and in-person consultations by appointment (Wed–Thu).
  • Lutheran Services Carolinas — New Americans Immigration Program — Low-cost/pro-bono immigration legal services for low-income clients with supervising attorneys: green cards/permanent residence, asylum, and family reunification. Offices in Columbia, Greenville, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach. Contact via lsclegalsupport@lscarolinas.net.

LawHelp.org/SC — South Carolina’s statewide free legal-aid guide (South Carolina Legal Services); its immigration section organizes help by topic and routes to intake at 1-888-346-5592.

South Carolina has no in-state immigration court; removal cases for South Carolina residents are heard at the Charlotte, NC immigration court (which covers both Carolinas). Catholic Charities of South Carolina is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). 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 South Carolina 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.