Resources Immigration and asylum
Legal help: our members' experience
Organizations that people in our chats have had a good experience with on immigration cases. No private lawyers are listed.
This is general information, not legal advice: QARAVAN has no lawyers. QARAVAN does not help anyone enter the US and cannot arrange visas, invitations, sponsorship or evacuation. For your own case, talk to a licensed immigration attorney or a representative accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Based on the experience of people in our chats, 2023–2026.
1Organizations
QARAVAN has not checked licenses or the accuracy of these reviews.
RIF Asylum Support
Free
People from our chats had a good experience with RIF Asylum Support. Every Thursday at 12 pm New York time, immigration attorneys answer questions about asylum and court on Zoom, free of charge; register through the form on the website. RIF doesn't take on cases itself, but members found lawyers for mandamus suits and interview preparation through its list of providers. The website says Russian is spoken; in September 2026 members wrote that no staff speak Russian. Based on members' experience, 2023–2026.
Immigration Equality
Free
People from our chats had a good experience with Immigration Equality, which gives free immigration legal help to LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV. Members were matched with pro bono attorneys from partner law firms, who handled their asylum cases and later their green card applications. Members warn that it is very busy, doesn't take every case, can be slow to reply, and partner attorneys sometimes won't file a mandamus suit. Apply through the form on the website, in English. The phone line is only for people in immigration detention. Based on members' experience, 2023–2026.
Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS)
Free
People from our chats had a good experience with Brooklyn Defender Services: members were given a free attorney for their immigration case. So far there is one report. BDS is part of NYIFUP, which gives free deportation defense to people detained by ICE who lived in New York City at the time of arrest. After an arrest, email the NYIFUP intake address at The Bronx Defenders, NYIFUPintake@bronxdefenders.org, with the person's name, A-number and address at the time of arrest. Based on members' experience, 2024.
Physicians for Human Rights Asylum Network и студенческие клиники / Physicians for Human Rights Asylum Network and student clinics
Free
People from our chats had a good experience with free psychological evaluations for asylum cases. The Physicians for Human Rights network of doctors and psychologists does them pro bono; your attorney requests one through the form on the PHR website at least 12 weeks before it is needed, and the wait can be long. Student asylum clinics at medical schools also do them for free. In New York this is the Weill Cornell Center for Human Rights; how to request an evaluation there is on our page “A doctor's report for an asylum case”. Members reported that a paid evaluation in New York cost about $1,500 (2024). Based on members' experience, 2024.
All pages: Immigration and asylum
Sources, checked November 2026
- uscis.gov/g-1055
- uscis.gov/i-912
- uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/g-1055.pdf
- govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-10-01/pdf/2026-20187.pdf
- asaptogether.org/en/new-fees
- justice.gov/eoir/types-appeals-motions-and-required-fees
- justice.gov/eoir/eoir-payment-portal-frequently-asked-question…
- epay.eoir.justice.gov/index
- uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-announces-fy-2027-inflation-in…
- justice.gov/eoir/media/1454066/dl
- govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-07-28/pdf/2026-15190.pdf
- justice.gov/eoir/check-case-status
- acis.eoir.justice.gov/en
- justice.gov/eoir/notice-appear
- justice.gov/eoir/learn-about-immigration-court
- justice.gov/eoir/policy-manual-eoir/part-II/icpm/chapter-3-10
- justice.gov/eoir/page/file/1480776/dl
- uscis.gov/addresschange
- uscis.gov/ar-11
- justice.gov/eoir/update-respondent-or-alien-information
- law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/8/1003.15
- respondentaccess.eoir.justice.gov/en
- uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-10-part-a-chapter-4
- govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-10-30/html/2025-19702.htm
- govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-10-14/pdf/2026-20955.pdf
- americanimmigrationcouncil.org/fact-sheet/employment-authoriza…
- asaptogether.org/en/work-permits
- immigrationequality.org/legal-help-inquiry-form
- immigrationequality.org/about-us/what-we-do/direct-legal-servi…
- immigrationequality.org/selfhelp/self-help-manuals/selfhelp-ma…
- avp.org/get-help/legal
- srlp.org/legal-services
- srlp.org/about/legal-services/immigrant-rights-project
- immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory/organization.652328-Sy…
- nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/moia-immigration-legal…
- nyc.gov/site/immigrants/about/press-releases/nyc-moia-launches…
- nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/moia-immigration-legal…
- nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/get-legal-help.page
- citylimits.org/city-to-phase-out-replace-de-blasio-era-program…
- legalaidnyc.org/get-help/immigration-deportation
- dos.ny.gov/office-new-americans
- nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/rapid-response-legal-c…
- justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers
- justice.gov/eoir/can-someone-represent-you-eoir
- nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/avoid-immigration-serv…
- ag.ny.gov/resources/individuals/consumer-issues/immigration-se…
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/obtaining-as…
- uscis.gov/i-589
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/the-affirmat…
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/preparing-fo…
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/what-happens…
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/affirmative-…
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/asylum-bars
- law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/8/208.4
- uscis.gov/i-765
- uscis.gov/i-765-addresses
- uscis.gov/laws-and-policy/other-resources/immigration-benefits…
- justice.gov/eoir/self-help-materials
- icor.eoir.justice.gov
- justice.gov/eoir/recognition-accreditation-roster-reports
- justice.gov/eoir/recognition-and-accreditation-program
- justice.gov/eoir/list-of-currently-disciplined-practitioners
- uscis.gov/scams-fraud-and-misconduct/avoid-scams/legal-services
- justice.gov/eoir/new-york-broadway-immigration-court
- justice.gov/eoir/new-york-federal-plaza-immigration-court
- justice.gov/eoir/new-york-varick-immigration-court
- uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-asy…
- uscis.gov/i-485
- uscis.gov/i-730
- uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/trave…
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status
- uscis.gov/i-918
- uscis.gov/i-914
- uscis.gov/working-in-US/eb4/SIJ
- law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/8/1003.23
- law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/8/1003.6
- law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/8/1229a
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/establishing…
- uscis.gov/about-us/asy/NY/New%20York
- uscis.gov/about-us/asy/NY/Newark%20-%20Manhattan%20Branch
- my.uscis.gov/accounts/annual-asylum-fee/start/overview
- nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/ENG_Updated_ALL_Legal-…
- nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/RU_ALL_Updated_Legal-S…
- catholiccharitiesny.org/what-we-do/immigrants-and-refugees
- legalaidnyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/What-You-Can-Do-If-…
- legalaidnyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/What-You-Can-Do-If-…
- locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search
- ice.gov/locator
- nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/What-to-do-after-a-lov…
- nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/NYIFUP-English.pdf
- nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/New-York-Immigrant-Fam…
- bronxdefenders.org/get-legal-help
- bronxdefenders.org/our-work/defending-new-yorkers/immigration-…
- envisionfreedom.org/get-support
- lgbtqfund.org
- immigrationequality.org/InquiryForm
- americanbar.org/groups/public_interest/immigration
- hias.org/legal-services
- nylag.org/gethelp
- nylag.org/immigration/pro-se-plus-project
- nylag.org/immigrant-protection
- catholicmigration.org/legal-services
- catholicmigration.org/immigration
- ccbq.org/service-type/immigration-assistance
- maketheroadny.org/program/legal-services
- maketheroadny.org/contact
- africanservices.org/legal
- africanservices.org
- camba.org/impact/legal-services
- camba.org/programs/immigration-legal-services
- unlocal.org/queer-immigrant-justice-project
- unlocal.org/contact-us
- unlocal.org/immigration-legal-representation
- immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory/organization.652328-Sy…
- cbst.org/ark-services
- humanrightsfirst.org/asylum-and-refugee-representation
- safehorizon.org/immigration-law-project
- icarecoalition.org/getlegalhelp
- safepassageproject.org/get-legal-help
- safepassageproject.org/contact
- door.org/legalservices
- brooklaw.edu/Academics/Clinics-and-Externships/In-House-Clinic…
- immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory/organization.627298-Sa…
- law.columbia.edu/academics/experiential/clinics/immigrants-rig…
- law.cuny.edu/academics/clinical-programs/immigration/initiatives
- cardozo.yu.edu/kathryn-o-greenberg-immigration-justice-clinic
- law.nyu.edu/immigrantrightsclinic/aboutirc
- pace.edu/law/academics/clinics/immigration-justice-clinic
- supportkind.org
- stjohns.edu/law/academics/clinics/refugee-and-immigrant-rights…
- fordham.edu/school-of-law/centers-and-institutes/feerick-cente…
- justice.gov/eoir/page/file/942311/download
- justice.gov/eoir/page/file/942301/download
- justice.gov/eoir/filing-complaint-eoir-fraud-and-abuse-prevent…
- immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory
- uscis.gov/forms
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/questions-an…
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/usrap
- govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-10-02/pdf/2026-20318.pdf
- govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-10-31/pdf/2025-19752.pdf
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/humanitarian-parole
- govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-10-16/pdf/2025-19570.pdf
- uscis.gov/i-131
- uscis.gov/i-134
- uscis.gov/i-129f
- uscis.gov/i-130
- uscis.gov/about-us
- travel.state.gov/en/newsroom/visas/2026/suspension-of-visa-iss…
- travel.state.gov/en/newsroom/visas/2026/countries-subject-to-v…
- rainbowrailroad.org/request-help
- rainbowrailroad.org/stories/russia-blocks-rainbow-railroads-we…
- oramrefugee.org/seek-help
- oramrefugee.org/asylum-information
- oramrefugee.org/our-work
- oramrefugee.org/contact-us
- accessnow.org/help
- accessnow.org/helpline-mandate
- ilga-europe.org/about-us/contacts
- ilga-europe.org/about-us/membership
- ilga-europe.org/about-us/who-we-are
- ilga-europe.org/news/statement-on-russias-designation-of-ilga-…
- ilga.org/news/russia-ilga-world-undesirable
- ilga.org/about-us
- ilga.org/member-organisations
- pinkarmenia.org/en/about-us/services
- pinkarmenia.org/en/contact-us
- help.unhcr.org/turkiye/information-for-non-syrians/national-as…
- help.unhcr.org/turkiye/information-for-non-syrians/registratio…
- help.unhcr.org/georgia/applying-for-asylum
- help.unhcr.org/serbia/applying-for-asylum-in-serbia-2
- canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugee…
- home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/asylum…
- home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/asylum…
- ssd.eff.org/module/your-security-plan
- hrw.org/ru/news/2026/03/09/russia-declares-leading-lgbt-rights…
- hrw.org/ru/news/2025/12/01/russia-government-designates-human-…
- cpj.org/2024/02/russia-bans-radio-free-europe-radio-liberty-as…
- svoboda.org/a/rossiyskuyu-lgbt-set-obyavili-ekstremistskoy-org…
- svoboda.org/a/minyust-rf-priznal-radio-svoboda-nezhelatelnoy-o…
- federalregister.gov/d/2026-20187
- nycourts.gov
- ag.ny.gov/file-complaint/consumer
- uscis.gov/contactcenter
- avp.org/get-help
- en.goc.gov.tr/kurumlar/en.goc/Brosurler/8_acil_durumlar_ENG-2.…
- ailalawyer.com
- ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-1/section…
- uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-589instr.pdf
- ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-208/subpa…
- uscis.gov/about-us/asy/NY/New%20York
- uscis.gov/about-us/asy/NY/Newark%20-%20Manhattan%20Branch
- uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/notices/Applicant-Cause…
- uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees
- uscis.gov/laws-and-policy/other-resources/immigration-benefits…
- justice.gov/eoir/immigration-court-online-resource
- law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/8/1158
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/preparing-fo…
- bronxdefenders.org/get-legal-help
- justice.gov/eoir/types-appeals-motions-and-required-fees
- uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/notices/Applicant-Cause…
- federalregister.gov/d/2026-03595
- govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-11/pdf/2026-11692.pdf
- uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/news/Asylee_travel_info…
- uscis.gov/i-131
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status
- rescue.org/article/who-decides-how-many-refugees-come-us
- rescue.org/press-release/us-allocates-refugee-resettlement-slo…
- globalrefuge.org/news/global-refuge-deeply-disappointed-by-the…
- americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/uscis-immigration-processi…
- aila.org/blog/think-immigration-when-visa-processing-moves-abr…
- americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/president-trump-expands-hi…
- cbsnews.com/news/trump-doubles-number-of-countries-facing-trav…
- aila.org/library/featured-issue-sweeping-immigration-restricti…
- npr.org/2026/08/22/nx-s1-5941765/trump-immigration-visa-ban-75…
- aila.org/library/dos-announces-compliance-with-court-order-hal…
- civil.ge/archives/746682
- 24.kg/english/383882_US_increases_visa_bond_requirement_for_Ky…
- federalregister.gov/d/2026-15726
- americanimmigrationcouncil.org/fact-sheet/expedited-removal
- npr.org/2026/06/25/nx-s1-5838860/supreme-court-asylum-policy
- aila.org/library/client-flyer-protect-yourself-from-immigratio…
- aila.org/library/think-immigration-immigration-scam-surge-thre…
- immigrationequality.org/legal/legal-help/couples-and-families/…
- immigrationequality.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Marriage-Ba…