Free immigration legal help in Tennessee
These nonprofit organizations in Tennessee 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.
Tennessee immigration legal-aid organizations
These nonprofits provide free or low-cost immigration legal services to Tennessee residents. Capacity is limited — call first; most require an appointment.
- Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors (TNJFON) — 2195 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211 · (615) 538-7481. Nonprofit immigration law firm providing free/low-cost services to low-income immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers — focus on survivors of persecution, trafficking, and domestic violence (U visa, T visa, VAWA). By appointment (phone/text).
- Community Legal Center — Immigrant Justice Program (Memphis) — 80 Monroe Avenue, Suite 415, Memphis, TN 38103 · (901) 543-3395. Full-scope immigration legal services for low-income clients: removal/deportation defense, asylum and withholding, DACA, adjustment of status, naturalization, SIJS, U/T visas, VAWA, and I-130 family petitions. About a $100 consultation; no student/employment visas.
- Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE) — 417 Welshwood Drive, Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37211 · (615) 315-9681. DOJ-recognized organization with accredited representatives providing low-cost affirmative forms assistance: citizenship/naturalization, green-card applications and renewals, removal of conditions, family reunification, TPS, employment authorization, and travel documents. Does NOT provide court representation, asylum, or removal defense.
Help4TN — Tennessee’s statewide free civil legal-help portal (run by TALS); the 1-844-435-7486 helpline schedules a callback from a licensed Tennessee attorney.
The Memphis immigration court hears cases for all of Tennessee (and also Arkansas and northern Mississippi). 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 Tennessee residents)
Directories and hotlines
- Immigration Advocates Network — Find Help — national searchable directory by state and case type
- CLINIC (Catholic Legal Immigration Network): cliniclegal.org
- NILC (National Immigration Law Center): nilc.org
- ILRC (Immigrant Legal Resource Center): ilrc.org
- AILA Pro Bono Directory: ask your local AILA chapter for pro bono cases
- United We Dream: unitedwedream.org — DACA specific
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:
- Attorney: State Bar of practicing state + AILA directory
- BIA-Accredited Representative: BIA Recognition Roster
How to prepare for consultation
- Bring ALL documents: passport, green card if any, USCIS letters, criminal records, tax returns, evidence of family relationship, immigration status history
- Be HONEST: even about criminal records or past issues. Attorney needs FULL truth to defend you well.
- Ask about timelines and possible outcomes
- Confirm cost (if applicable) in writing before committing
- Bring translator if your English is limited
Related information
- Find immigration attorney
- Immigration courts in Tennessee
- USCIS offices in Tennessee
- Path to Citizenship
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.
Related procedural information
- Immigration court by state (EOIR) — judges, Webex links, telephonic access codes
- Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists, AILA, BIA-recognized providers
- Find a notary public (NOT a “notario”) — avoid notario fraud
- Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections during arrests
- Consulate of your country in the US — many consulates maintain pro-bono attorney referral lists
