Empowering New Yorkers to represent themselves in Immigration Court 

The Problem

Thousands of recently arrived immigrants are fighting their legal battles alone, without an attorney. Unlike in criminal court, there is no federal right to representation in immigration court, and private attorneys—most of whom charge hundreds of dollars for an intake consultation—are prohibitively expensive. Local government has not met the widespread need, and many of the city's legal non-profits have closed their waiting lists due the overwhelming demand for their services. Immigrants are educating themselves in the law and representing themselves, but they face profound challenges. Immigration law is exceptionally complex and many people do not read, write or speak English. Thousands are being deported to unsafe conditions in their home countries or living "undocumented" despite being eligible to work and reside in the United States.