# Free and low-cost legal help

Source: https://www.qaravan.org/resources/immigration/legal-help/

In immigration court the government does not give you a lawyer, and people without one are ordered deported more often. Here is where to look for free and low-cost help in New York.

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.

QARAVAN does not provide legal services and has no lawyers. We point people to the right place, and for a community member's case we can write a support letter.

Hours and intake rules are as of November 2026 and change often.

Almost everywhere you will be asked your country of birth, your A-number and which immigration papers you have. Have them ready and say at once which language you need: many organizations have interpreters.

## Start here

- If ICE has detained someone close to you, find them at [locator.ice.gov](https://locator.ice.gov).
- Go to every court hearing, even without a lawyer yet: if you miss one, the judge can order you deported in your absence.
- Start with the free City line MOIA at [800-354-0365](tel:8003540365) and say "Russian": the line helps in your language. Pay no one until you have checked their license.

## Kinds of legal help

Five kinds of legal help

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## Quick help

- MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline (formerly ActionNYC) NYC residents Free The free City line of MOIA (the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs). It answers questions and tells you where to get City-funded legal help; it does not take cases or book appointments. Say "Russian": the line helps in your language. Demand is high, so the City's partners may not take your case or even manage a screening. The program used to be called ActionNYC. [800-354-0365](tel:8003540365) (or [311](tel:311), say “Immigration Legal”) [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/moia-immigration-legal-support-hotline.page) Mon and Wed 9 am–8 pm; Tue, Thu, Fri 9 am–6 pm; last Saturday of the month 9 am–5 pm
- MOIA Immigration Legal Support Centers NYC residents Free City centers in all five boroughs, in organizations, schools, libraries and hospitals: a free screening and help from a lawyer or accredited representative. Status does not matter; household income must be below 200% of the federal poverty level. The City lists citizenship, green cards, DACA and TPS; asylum is not on the list. Addresses and phone numbers (Catholic Charities Community Services, CAMBA, Make the Road New York, African Services Committee and Gay Men's Health Crisis among them) are in MOIA's flyer in Russian (January 2026). [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/moia-immigration-legal-support-centers.page)
- New Americans Hotline (New York State Office for New Americans) Any status Free The free line of New York State's Office for New Americans. It answers immigration questions, refers people to free lawyers, detained people included, and takes reports of fraud. You can stay anonymous; over 200 languages: say "Russian" and a free interpreter joins. [1-800-566-7636](tel:18005667636) [dos.ny.gov](https://dos.ny.gov/office-new-americans) Mon–Fri 8 am–8 pm, Sat–Sun 9 am–5 pm
- Automated Case Information (EOIR) Free The immigration courts' case information online: [acis.eoir.justice.gov](https://acis.eoir.justice.gov). With your A-number it shows whether a hearing is set, when and in which court. The written hearing notice from the court is still what counts. [acis.eoir.justice.gov](https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/)

## If immigration enforcement detains someone: the first days

1. Find the person in the official locator ICE's search is the Online Detainee Locator System ([locator.ice.gov](https://locator.ice.gov)). Enter the country of birth and either the A-number or the first and last name; the country of birth is always required. An A-number has exactly nine digits: if the document shows fewer, add zeros in front. ICE recommends searching by A-number.
2. If the search finds no one The search finds exact matches only: “Alexander” will not find “Aleksandr”. Type the name as it is on the person's documents and try other Latin spellings; include the hyphen in a double surname. People under 18 are not in the search. After an arrest a person may appear only after a couple of days, so look for help without waiting.
3. Find out where the person may be held For the first days a person may be held in New York, for example at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, and then moved. According to the Legal Aid Society (November 2025), most detained New Yorkers were then held at Orange County Correctional Facility (Goshen), Metropolitan Detention Center (Brooklyn), Delaney Hall (Newark), Moshannon Valley Processing Center (western Pennsylvania) and centers in Texas and Louisiana. The ICE locator shows where the person is now.
4. Find out whether a hearing is scheduled Enter the A-number and country of citizenship at [acis.eoir.justice.gov](https://acis.eoir.justice.gov). The information can be out of date, so go by the court's written notice.
5. Send a referral to NYIFUP NYIFUP gives free lawyers to detained New Yorkers; The Legal Aid Society, The Bronx Defenders and Brooklyn Defender Services do the work. Sources differ on who qualifies. MOIA's guide (February 2025) says the person must have no lawyer, it must be the first hearing, household income must be below 200% of the federal poverty level, and the case must be in a New York immigration court or, for New Yorkers, in Elizabeth or Newark (New Jersey). The Bronx Defenders says every detained person gets a lawyer regardless of income, record or status. So send a referral even if you are unsure: the organizations decide. A person with a removal order or no open case may be turned down. Refer through the NYIFUP Referral Form (linked in the Legal Aid Society guide), The Bronx Defenders' form (bxd.pub/ReferToNYIFUP) or by email to NYIFUPintake@bronxdefenders.org; send questions to nyifup@legal-aid.org. They try to reach the detained person within two weeks. A lawyer may be assigned soon after the first short hearing (master calendar hearing).
6. If NYIFUP does not fit, contact other services Look for nonprofit lawyers in the [Immigration Advocates Network directory](https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory/). Rapid Response Legal Collaborative helps people with a removal order, the Immigration Equality line helps LGBTQ+ people in detention, and the New Americans Hotline refers detained people to free lawyers too.
7. Ask about bond An immigration bond is money paid to the federal government as a guarantee that the person will come to hearings. A judge decides at a bond hearing whether the person can be released on bond. According to the Legal Aid Society (November 2025), ICE and the courts deny bond more and more often. Sometimes a habeas corpus petition to a federal court can free a person; it is complex and needs an experienced lawyer. If bond is set and you can't pay, Envision Freedom Fund and LGBTQ Freedom Fund help. To pay yourself, use CeBonds, ICE's online portal; Envision Freedom Fund has instructions.
8. Gather documents and answer calls A lawyer will need ID documents, medical records and any immigration applications already filed. Detention centers allow only collect calls, and the detained person cannot leave a message, so answer unknown numbers. Calls may be recorded: don't discuss details of the case.

- New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP) NYC residents Free Free lawyers for New Yorkers detained by ICE whose case is in a New York City immigration court (or in New Jersey). Sources differ on who qualifies, so send a referral even if you are unsure. People with a removal order or no open case may be turned down. Refer through the NYIFUP Referral Form; questions to nyifup@legal-aid.org. If you speak no English, first call the State's New Americans Hotline, [1-800-566-7636](tel:18005667636): it refers detained people to free lawyers; say "Russian" and a free interpreter joins. The NYIFUP lines are in English. [(212) 577-3300](tel:2125773300) (The Legal Aid Society); [(718) 838-7878](tel:7188387878) (The Bronx Defenders); [(718) 254-0700](tel:7182540700) (Brooklyn Defender Services) [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/NYIFUP-English.pdf)
- Rapid Response Legal Collaborative NYC residents Free Urgent legal help for New Yorkers detained by ICE and for people with a removal order or ICE check-ins and no pending applications or appeals. Not for people convicted of a serious or violent felony. Fill in the online form (a place is not guaranteed); ask questions about your case on the City's MOIA line (to speak Russian, say "Russian"). The lawyers are from Make the Road New York, NYLAG and UnLocal. [800-354-0365](tel:8003540365) [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/rapid-response-legal-collaborative.page) Mon and Wed 9 am–8 pm; Tue, Thu, Fri 9 am–6 pm; last Saturday of the month 9 am–5 pm
- Envision Freedom Fund Free Helps pay immigration bond when it is set and there is no money to pay it: apply [on the website](https://envisionfreedom.org/get-support/) and they will contact you. The fund never charges, never asks to be paid back and never asks for transfers through Western Union, Moneygram, Ria or Zelle. The website has CeBonds instructions for people paying themselves. The phone line is only for calls from immigration detention: referrals for bond and lawyers, commissary money, books. The line is in English. [718-717-2007](tel:7187172007) [envisionfreedom.org](https://envisionfreedom.org/get-support/) line for people in detention: Tue and Thu 3–5 pm (Eastern time)
- LGBTQ Freedom Fund Pays immigration bond in any state, first of all for LGBTQ+ people and migrants. Email info@lgbtqfund.org. [lgbtqfund.org](https://www.lgbtqfund.org/)
- Immigration Equality: detention line Free Only for LGBTQ+ people calling from immigration detention. Everyone else fills in the form on Immigration Equality's website. The line is in English. [(917) 654-9696](tel:9176549696) [immigrationequality.org](https://immigrationequality.org/InquiryForm) Mon and Wed 9:30 am–5:30 pm, Tue 11 am–5:30 pm (the website also lists Thu 1–5:30 pm)
- American Bar Association (ABA) Commission on Immigration Detention Information Hotline Free Help for detained people preparing their own case (pro se) from the American Bar Association, the US lawyers' association. From a phone in an ICE center or a federal prison, dial 2150#. Family cannot call for the detained person but can email immcenter@americanbar.org. For military sites, Guantanamo included: [1 (855) 641-6081](tel:18556416081). The lines are in English. 2150# (from the detainee phone); [1 (855) 641-6081](tel:18556416081) (military facilities) [americanbar.org](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_interest/immigration/)
- ICE Online Detainee Locator System Free The official search for people in immigration detention. Enter the country of birth and the A-number, or the first name and last name. The search matches names exactly and does not show people under 18. [locator.ice.gov](https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search)
- The Legal Aid Society: guide for families of people arrested by ICE Free The Legal Aid Society's guide for families of detained people (November 2025): where a person may be moved, how to find a lawyer, what is known about bond and what to do now. It links to the NYIFUP Referral Form. [legalaidnyc.org](https://legalaidnyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/What-You-Can-Do-If-You-or-a-Loved-One-is-Arrested-by-ICE.pdf)

## How to find a free lawyer: step by step

1. Find out which court has your case Your A-number at [acis.eoir.justice.gov](https://acis.eoir.justice.gov) shows the date and place of your hearing. The list of free organizations is made for each court, so you need to know yours.
2. Call the City hotline The MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline [(800-354-0365](tel:8003540365), say "Russian") tells you where to get a free screening. Outside New York City, the State's New Americans Hotline: [1-800-566-7636](tel:18005667636) (say "Russian" and a free interpreter joins).
3. Open the list for your court EOIR publishes the List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers four times a year; the latest is October 2026. It lists organizations and lawyers who have committed to at least 50 hours a year of free help at that court.
4. Contact several organizations at once Demand is high, and no organization promises to take a case. Keep your immigration papers and A-number at hand: they are asked for in the first conversation.
5. If no spot is available Ask for a consultation or for help preparing the application yourself (pro se): The Ark at CBST synagogue and NYLAG offer it, for example. If you pay a lawyer, check the license first.

- List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers (Executive Office for Immigration Review) Free The official list of free providers by immigration court, including the New York courts. October 2026 edition. Each entry gives a phone number, languages and conditions. [justice.gov](https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers)

## Nonprofit organizations in New York City with lawyers

- HIAS (New York office) Asylum applicants Free Represents people for free in immigration court, before USCIS and in family courts, asylum cases included. Requirements: household income below 200% of the federal poverty level and a real fear of serious harm if you return. Sign-up is by phone only, on the first Friday of the month from 9 am to 3 pm, while places last. According to the Department of Justice list, staff speak Russian and Spanish, with interpreters for other languages. On the phone, say "Russian". [212-613-1341](tel:2126131341) [hias.org](https://hias.org/legal-services/) first Friday of the month, 9 am–3 pm (or until slots are filled)
- New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) Any status Free Free help with removal defense, asylum, family-based green cards, cases of survivors of violence and crime, and citizenship. New clients can most easily email ipuintake@nylag.org and get a link to request a consultation. Consultations also happen at Key to the City: Legal Clinic events of the New York Immigration Coalition. The Pro Se Plus Project helps recent arrivals prepare their own applications: email pspp@nylag.org; demand is high and a reply is not guaranteed. [nylag.org](https://nylag.org/gethelp/) consultations: Monday 9 am–5 pm
- Catholic Migration Services (Brooklyn and Queens) Any status Free Free legal help for low-income immigrants living in New York City (in the state for some programs), whatever their status; only for people not in detention. Places are few: there may be a waitlist or a referral elsewhere. The help is free, but many applications have a government fee; they help you ask for a fee waiver. For citizenship, text [347-305-5520](tel:3473055520); for anything else, court cases included, call the Brooklyn or Queens office. Recent arrivals in removal proceedings are offered the Pro Se Plus Project. You can ask for an interpreter: on the phone, say "Russian". [(718) 236-3000](tel:7182363000) / [(347) 472-3500](tel:3474723500); text [347-305-5520](tel:3473055520) (citizenship) [catholicmigration.org](https://catholicmigration.org/immigration/) 191 Joralemon Street, 4th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201; 47-01 Queens Boulevard, Suite 203, Sunnyside, NY 11104 calls: Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm
- The Legal Aid Society Any status Free A legal organization for low-income New Yorkers: status, citizenship, removal defense. According to the Department of Justice list (October 2026), it currently takes only detained adults and people under 18 in removal proceedings. It sends other adults to the City's MOIA line. For detained people, email nyifup@legal-aid.org. [legalaidnyc.org](https://legalaidnyc.org/get-help/immigration-deportation/)
- Make the Road New York A membership organization with a legal service: citizenship, asylum, removal defense; it represents trans, gender-nonconforming, intersex and queer immigrants. All three offices are MOIA Immigration Legal Support Centers; book in person at the nearest office or through the City's MOIA line (say "Russian"). [maketheroadny.org](https://maketheroadny.org/program/legal-services/) 301 Grove Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237 (Bushwick); 104-19 Roosevelt Avenue, Corona, NY 11368; 161 Port Richmond Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10302
- African Services Committee Free An organization in Harlem for people from Africa and the Caribbean; legal help is free for eligible New Yorkers. Apply through the Legal Intake Form on the Legal page. For asylum they only help you prepare your own application (pro se), when there is room. They also take citizenship, green card and work permit renewals, and TPS. [africanservices.org](https://africanservices.org/legal/) 429 West 127th Street, New York, NY
- CAMBA Legal Services Free Free CAMBA lawyers in Brooklyn: citizenship, DACA, family petitions, TPS, applications of survivors of violence and other cases. Asylum is not on their list. By appointment only. The City's MOIA line refers people to CAMBA's MOIA immigration center (20 Snyder Avenue, Brooklyn 11226); to speak Russian, say "Russian". [camba.org](https://camba.org/programs/immigration-legal-services/) 20 Snyder Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226
- Catholic Charities of New York The organization says it gives confidential consultations and represents documented and undocumented immigrants, in asylum cases and immigration court among others. Intake goes through the City and State hotlines. MOIA center: 80 Maiden Lane, 23rd Floor, Manhattan (MOIA flyer, January 2026). [catholiccharitiesny.org](https://catholiccharitiesny.org/what-we-do/immigrants-and-refugees/) 80 Maiden Lane, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10038
- Human Rights First Free Matches low-income people and families seeking asylum with free volunteer lawyers, mainly in New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., including people detained nearby. No walk-ins: email NYprobono@humanrightsfirst.org. [humanrightsfirst.org](https://www.humanrightsfirst.org/asylum-and-refugee-representation) mailing address: 121 W 36th Street PMB 520, New York, NY 10018
- Safe Horizon Represents survivors of violence, abuse and exploitation in immigration cases: asylum, survivor status, green cards, citizenship, removal defense. Book by calling the Immigration Law Project; interpreters for any language. New York City residents only, and only people not in custody. On the phone, say "Russian". [718-943-8632](tel:7189438632) [safehorizon.org](https://www.safehorizon.org/immigration-law-project/)

## Organizations for LGBTQ+ immigrants

- Immigration Equality Asylum applicants Free Free legal help for LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV who were persecuted at home, mostly asylum. Fill in the confidential form [on the website](https://immigrationequality.org/InquiryForm): there is a link to it in Russian, but members say the form itself is in English. Demand is high: a reply can take time, and the form does not mean they will take the case. The website has a guide in Russian (2023), but fees have changed since. [immigrationequality.org](https://immigrationequality.org/InquiryForm)
- UnLocal: Queer Immigrant Justice Project Any status Free Free lawyers for LGBTQ+ immigrants: immigration court, the Asylum Office (the USCIS office for asylum), name and gender marker changes. For a consultation, fill in the form on the Contact Us page. UnLocal is part of the Rapid Response Legal Collaborative. [unlocal.org](https://www.unlocal.org/contact-us/) 45 W. 29th St., Suite 203, New York, NY 10001
- NYC Anti-Violence Project (AVP) Free AVP's lawyers advise LGBTQ+ survivors of violence, people living with HIV included: asylum for those who fear return because of sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status, the U visa (for victims of certain crimes), the T visa (for victims of trafficking) and VAWA (the law that lets abused spouses of US citizens and green card holders apply on their own). The first intake is free. Requests go through the hotline, in English and Spanish, or the online Report Violence form at [avp.org/get-help](https://avp.org/get-help) (a counselor reaches out within 48 hours); an intake is usually set within a week, sooner when urgent. Walk-in hours at the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, noon to 4 pm, may be canceled. [avp.org](https://avp.org/get-help/legal/) 55 Exchange Place, Suite 404, New York, NY 10005 walk-in: Tue–Wed 12–4 pm
- Sylvia Rivera Law Project Free Lawyers for low-income trans, gender-nonconforming and intersex people: immigration applications, ID with the right gender, name changes, benefits, discrimination in City shelters. The Immigration Advocates Network directory says they are not taking new cases; this may be out of date. They take messages even when intake is closed: email legal@srlp.org, but leave case details out of the email. [srlp.org](https://srlp.org/legal-services/)
- The Ark at CBST (Congregation Beit Simchat Torah) Free CBST synagogue's immigration clinic helps asylum seekers without a lawyer prepare their own asylum, work permit and other applications; it does not represent people in court. Social workers also refer to other help. Most clients are LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV, but not only. Fill in the form [on the website](https://cbst.org/ark-services/) or email sanctuary@cbst.org. [cbst.org](https://cbst.org/ark-services/) 130 West 30th Street, New York, NY 10001
- Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) NYC residents Free A MOIA Immigration Legal Support Center (MOIA flyer, January 2026): a free screening of your case. The City's MOIA line refers people here; to speak Russian, say "Russian". [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/ENG_Updated_ALL_Legal-Services-Flyer_Jan26_D2.pdf) 307 West 38th Street, New York, NY 10018

## For children, teens and people under 25

- Immigrant Children Advocates' Relief Effort (ICARE) Under 25 NYC residents Free One application for free lawyers for New Yorkers under 21. Fill in the form [on the website](https://www.icarecoalition.org/getlegalhelp): the network's organizations (The Door, Legal Aid Society, Safe Passage Project and KIND among them) receive it, so you don't need to contact each one. ICARE usually gets in touch for a first eligibility check in 3 to 5 weeks; that is not yet a lawyer's consultation. If you have a court date or it is urgent, email legalhelp@icarecoalition.org. [icarecoalition.org](https://www.icarecoalition.org/getlegalhelp)
- Safe Passage Project Under 25 Free Free lawyers for immigrants and refugees under 21 in New York City and on Long Island. Their own waitlist for New Yorkers is closed: everyone goes through ICARE. For anything else, email help@safepassageproject.org. [safepassageproject.org](https://www.safepassageproject.org/get-legal-help/) 185 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013 Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm
- Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), New York Under 25 Free Free legal help for unaccompanied children (who came without a parent or guardian) living in New York City and nearby counties. By appointment only. English, Spanish and French, other languages through a phone interpreter. Say "Russian". [(646) 970-2915](tel:6469702915) [supportkind.org](https://supportkind.org/) 252 West 37th Street, Suite 1500, New York, NY 10018
- The Door Under 25 Free Free legal help, immigration included, for people aged 12 to 24. First become a member of The Door: it is free and takes a few minutes. Text [929-237-9538](tel:9292379538) or email legalhelp@door.org. English, Spanish and French, with interpreters for other languages. If you don't qualify, you may get no reply. Ask for a Russian interpreter ("Russian"). [929-237-9538](tel:9292379538) (text) [door.org](https://www.door.org/legalservices/) 555 Broome Street, New York, NY 10013

## Law school clinics

- Safe Harbor Clinic, Brooklyn Law School Free Law students represent low-income immigrants for free, asylum included. The Immigration Advocates Network directory says capacity is limited, most cases come by referral from other nonprofits, and there are no appointments. So start with an organization and ask for a referral. Questions to clinics@brooklaw.edu. [brooklaw.edu](https://www.brooklaw.edu/Academics/Clinics-and-Externships/In-House-Clinics/Safe-Harbor)
- Immigrants' Rights Clinic, Columbia Law School A law student clinic. Email clinicstaff@law.columbia.edu or the clinic's director. [law.columbia.edu](https://www.law.columbia.edu/academics/experiential/clinics/immigrants-rights-clinic/prospective-clients)
- Immigrant and Non-Citizen Rights Clinic, CUNY School of Law Students supervised by faculty handle immigrants' cases and take part in community intake clinics. The school is at 2 Court Square, Long Island City, Queens. [law.cuny.edu](https://www.law.cuny.edu/academics/clinical-programs/immigration/initiatives/)
- Kathryn O. Greenberg Immigration Justice Clinic, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law The clinic represents low-income immigrants facing deportation before federal immigration authorities and in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. To ask whether the clinic can take a case, contact it through its website. [cardozo.yu.edu](https://cardozo.yu.edu/kathryn-o-greenberg-immigration-justice-clinic)
- Immigrant Rights Clinic, NYU School of Law Students handle cases for immigrants and community organizations before agencies and courts. To ask whether the clinic can take a case, contact it through its website. [law.nyu.edu](https://www.law.nyu.edu/immigrantrightsclinic/aboutirc)
- Immigration Justice Clinic, Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University Free Students supervised by faculty handle cases of low-income noncitizens who live, work or are detained in the lower Hudson Valley and the five boroughs. Free representation for those who qualify, including asylum, family-based cases, TPS and removal in New York immigration courts. Write to the clinic through its website. [pace.edu](https://www.pace.edu/law/academics/clinics/immigration-justice-clinic)
- Refugee and Immigrant Rights Litigation Clinic, St. John's University School of Law Students work on cases at Catholic Charities, and clients reach the clinic through it. [stjohns.edu](https://www.stjohns.edu/law/academics/clinics/refugee-and-immigrant-rights-litigation-clinic)
- Immigrant Justice Project, Feerick Center for Social Justice, Fordham University School of Law With NYLAG, the center holds monthly clinics where volunteers screen migrants and help them prepare their own asylum and TPS applications. [fordham.edu](https://www.fordham.edu/school-of-law/centers-and-institutes/feerick-center-for-social-justice/programs/immigrant-justice-project/)

## How to choose a private lawyer and avoid fraud

1. Try free help first Immigration Equality gives free help to LGBTQ+ people with asylum cases. Its site has a link in Russian, but members say the form itself is in English, so ask someone to help you fill it in. The City's MOIA Immigration Legal Support Centers also review cases for free. Answers often take weeks; if your filing deadline is close and no free help is available, look for a private lawyer.
2. Find a lawyer who speaks Russian Open the directory of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): [ailalawyer.com](https://ailalawyer.com). Choose the type of case (for example, Asylum), Russian under Lawyer Speaks, and New York as the city. It lists the association's members; it is not a recommendation. Also ask in QARAVAN's chats whom other members worked with and how their cases ended: Russian-language ads and reviews on a lawyer's own site prove nothing. At the first consultation, ask how many asylum cases of LGBTQ+ people the lawyer has handled, who will prepare the documents, and what the whole case costs.
3. Check the license before you pay Ask which state licensed the lawyer: by law, a lawyer licensed in any state may handle immigration cases. For New York, go to the State courts' site [nycourts.gov](https://nycourts.gov) and find Attorney Search. Enter the last name: the status should be Currently registered, with nothing under Disciplinary History. For another state, check the name on that state's bar website. Then look for the name on EOIR's list of disciplined practitioners: [justice.gov/eoir/list-of-currently-disciplined-practitioners](https://justice.gov/eoir/list-of-currently-disciplined-practitioners). If you can't find the license or the lawyer is on EOIR's list, don't pay them.
4. Your story must be your own If someone offers you a ready-made story, someone else's story or invented details to make it convincing, walk away. If a judge finds that your asylum application was knowingly false, you lose any right to immigration benefits in the US forever, and you answer for it, not the person who wrote it. Before you sign, ask for the whole I-589 to be read to you in Russian and correct anything that is wrong. Anyone who prepared the form must sign it in the preparer section; if they refuse, that is a warning sign.
5. Contract, payment and copies Before you pay, get a written contract in a language you understand: what the work includes, what it costs, and what happens to your money if you stop. Don't pay everything up front, and don't pay cash without a receipt with a name and address. Never hand over original documents, only copies. Ask for a copy of everything filed in your name, and keep the login and password of your USCIS account yourself.
6. Watch out for go-betweens Helpers, translators, document preparation offices, immigration consultants and travel agents, including those advertising in Russian, are not lawyers. By law they may not give legal advice, choose which application you file or represent you in court. Warning signs: they promise an easy green card, an instant work permit, “no risk” or connections at immigration agencies; charge for forms (USCIS forms are free at [uscis.gov/forms](https://uscis.gov/forms)); ask you to sign a blank or incomplete form; have no office. Under New York State law you can cancel a contract with such a go-between, get your money back and get your documents back.
7. Or work with an accredited representative An accredited representative works only through a recognized organization: if one offers to take your case on their own, that is illegal practice. Look up the name and the organization on EOIR's lists: [justice.gov/eoir/recognition-accreditation-roster-reports](https://justice.gov/eoir/recognition-accreditation-roster-reports). The list also shows whether they are fully (Full) or partially (Partial) accredited: only a fully accredited representative may appear in immigration court.
8. Report fraud File a complaint online with the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection: [nyc.gov/dca](https://nyc.gov/dca). You don't have to give your name or status. You can also complain to the New York State Attorney General: [ag.ny.gov/resources/individuals/consumer-issues/immigration-services-fraud](https://ag.ny.gov/resources/individuals/consumer-issues/immigration-services-fraud). For EOIR, email EOIR.Fraud.Program@usdoj.gov; a complaint about a lawyer or accredited representative goes on form EOIR-44.

- AILA Immigration Lawyer Search A directory of immigration lawyers who are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association: search by type of case, language (Russian included) and city. The association does not recommend particular lawyers. [ailalawyer.com](https://www.ailalawyer.com/)
- List of Accredited Representatives (EOIR) The nationwide list of accredited representatives. Report last updated October 25, 2026. [justice.gov](https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/942311/download)
- List of Recognized Organizations (EOIR) The list of organizations recognized by EOIR that may apply to have staff accredited. [justice.gov](https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/942301/download)
- List of Currently Disciplined Practitioners (EOIR) Attorneys and accredited representatives whom EOIR has currently suspended or disbarred. [justice.gov](https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-of-currently-disciplined-practitioners)
- New York State Attorney General: Immigration Services Fraud Free Complaints about middlemen and consultants who sell immigration services. Under State law they have no right to give legal advice or charge for forms or a referral to a lawyer, and they must give a written contract in a language you understand. [ag.ny.gov](https://ag.ny.gov/resources/individuals/consumer-issues/immigration-services-fraud)
- EOIR Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program Free Takes complaints about fraud, scams and the unauthorized practice of law; you can attach receipts, contracts and advertisements. Suspected fraud specifically in applications to USCIS goes to USCIS through its Tip Form. [justice.gov](https://www.justice.gov/eoir/filing-complaint-eoir-fraud-and-abuse-prevention-program)

## Where people from our chats had a good experience

The list is on its own page: ["Legal help: our members' experience"](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/immigration/community-legal-help/). QARAVAN has not checked licenses or the accuracy of these reviews.

## Glossary: definitions of special terms and abbreviations

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[All pages: Immigration and asylum](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/immigration/)

**Sources, checked November 2026**

- [acis.eoir.justice.gov/en](https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/)
- [avp.org/get-help/legal](https://avp.org/get-help/legal/)
- [srlp.org/legal-services](https://srlp.org/legal-services/)
- [nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/moia-immigration-legal…](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/moia-immigration-legal-support-hotline.page)
- [nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/moia-immigration-legal…](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/moia-immigration-legal-support-centers.page)
- [legalaidnyc.org/get-help/immigration-deportation](https://legalaidnyc.org/get-help/immigration-deportation/)
- [dos.ny.gov/office-new-americans](https://dos.ny.gov/office-new-americans)
- [nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/rapid-response-legal-c…](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/rapid-response-legal-collaborative.page)
- [justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers](https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers)
- [ag.ny.gov/resources/individuals/consumer-issues/immigration-se…](https://ag.ny.gov/resources/individuals/consumer-issues/immigration-services-fraud)
- [justice.gov/eoir/recognition-accreditation-roster-reports](https://www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-accreditation-roster-reports)
- [justice.gov/eoir/list-of-currently-disciplined-practitioners](https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-of-currently-disciplined-practitioners)
- [nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/ENG_Updated_ALL_Legal-…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/ENG_Updated_ALL_Legal-Services-Flyer_Jan26_D2.pdf)
- [nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/RU_ALL_Updated_Legal-S…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/RU_ALL_Updated_Legal-Services-Flyer_Jan26_D2.pdf)
- [catholiccharitiesny.org/what-we-do/immigrants-and-refugees](https://catholiccharitiesny.org/what-we-do/immigrants-and-refugees/)
- [legalaidnyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/What-You-Can-Do-If-…](https://legalaidnyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/What-You-Can-Do-If-You-or-a-Loved-One-is-Arrested-by-ICE.pdf)
- [legalaidnyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/What-You-Can-Do-If-…](https://legalaidnyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/What-You-Can-Do-If-You-or-a-Loved-One-is-Arrested-by-ICE-Russian.pdf)
- [locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search](https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search)
- [nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/NYIFUP-English.pdf](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/NYIFUP-English.pdf)
- [nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/New-York-Immigrant-Fam…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/New-York-Immigrant-Family-Unity-Project-Russian.pdf)
- [envisionfreedom.org/get-support](https://envisionfreedom.org/get-support/)
- [lgbtqfund.org](https://www.lgbtqfund.org/)
- [immigrationequality.org/InquiryForm](https://immigrationequality.org/InquiryForm)
- [americanbar.org/groups/public_interest/immigration](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_interest/immigration/)
- [hias.org/legal-services](https://hias.org/legal-services/)
- [nylag.org/gethelp](https://nylag.org/gethelp/)
- [catholicmigration.org/immigration](https://catholicmigration.org/immigration/)
- [maketheroadny.org/program/legal-services](https://maketheroadny.org/program/legal-services/)
- [africanservices.org/legal](https://africanservices.org/legal/)
- [africanservices.org](https://africanservices.org/)
- [camba.org/programs/immigration-legal-services](https://camba.org/programs/immigration-legal-services/)
- [unlocal.org/contact-us](https://www.unlocal.org/contact-us/)
- [cbst.org/ark-services](https://cbst.org/ark-services/)
- [humanrightsfirst.org/asylum-and-refugee-representation](https://www.humanrightsfirst.org/asylum-and-refugee-representation)
- [safehorizon.org/immigration-law-project](https://www.safehorizon.org/immigration-law-project/)
- [icarecoalition.org/getlegalhelp](https://www.icarecoalition.org/getlegalhelp)
- [safepassageproject.org/get-legal-help](https://www.safepassageproject.org/get-legal-help/)
- [door.org/legalservices](https://www.door.org/legalservices/)
- [brooklaw.edu/Academics/Clinics-and-Externships/In-House-Clinic…](https://www.brooklaw.edu/Academics/Clinics-and-Externships/In-House-Clinics/Safe-Harbor)
- [law.columbia.edu/academics/experiential/clinics/immigrants-rig…](https://www.law.columbia.edu/academics/experiential/clinics/immigrants-rights-clinic/prospective-clients)
- [law.cuny.edu/academics/clinical-programs/immigration/initiatives](https://www.law.cuny.edu/academics/clinical-programs/immigration/initiatives/)
- [cardozo.yu.edu/kathryn-o-greenberg-immigration-justice-clinic](https://cardozo.yu.edu/kathryn-o-greenberg-immigration-justice-clinic)
- [law.nyu.edu/immigrantrightsclinic/aboutirc](https://www.law.nyu.edu/immigrantrightsclinic/aboutirc)
- [pace.edu/law/academics/clinics/immigration-justice-clinic](https://www.pace.edu/law/academics/clinics/immigration-justice-clinic)
- [supportkind.org](https://supportkind.org/)
- [stjohns.edu/law/academics/clinics/refugee-and-immigrant-rights…](https://www.stjohns.edu/law/academics/clinics/refugee-and-immigrant-rights-litigation-clinic)
- [fordham.edu/school-of-law/centers-and-institutes/feerick-cente…](https://www.fordham.edu/school-of-law/centers-and-institutes/feerick-center-for-social-justice/programs/immigrant-justice-project/)
- [justice.gov/eoir/page/file/942311/download](https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/942311/download)
- [justice.gov/eoir/page/file/942301/download](https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/942301/download)
- [justice.gov/eoir/filing-complaint-eoir-fraud-and-abuse-prevent…](https://www.justice.gov/eoir/filing-complaint-eoir-fraud-and-abuse-prevention-program)
- [immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory](https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory/)
- [uscis.gov/forms](https://www.uscis.gov/forms)
- [nycourts.gov](https://www.nycourts.gov/)
- [avp.org/get-help](https://avp.org/get-help/)
- [ailalawyer.com](https://www.ailalawyer.com/)