Immigration resources: Legal help
Hire a lawyer or get free legal help
Before you start
Immigration law is very complex. You can hire a licensed lawyer or accredited representative to help with an immigration case. Use these sites to find out if a lawyer is licensed in the state of California or if an immigration representative is accredited:
Department of Justice roster of accredited representatives
Find an immigration lawyer
The resource listed below, provided by tge California State Bar, can help you find an immigration lawyer. You can also look for others online or ask organizations you trust in your area for help. The California courts do not provide referrals to specific lawyers or recommend or endorse any of the organizations listed.
Information about Lawyer Referral Services
California State Bar
Free and low-cost legal help
Help for low-income immigrants | ImmigrationLawHelp
Pro Bono (No-cost) Legal Service Provider Lists | U.S. Department of Justice
Help for children who immigrated without their parents | Unaccompanied Children Resource Center
⚠️ Can a court case affect my immigration status?
Yes. California state courts don't decide if you can stay in the United States, but what happens in a state court may affect your immigration status.
A court case may help your immigration status if you are:
- under 21 years old and have been separated from or hurt by your parent
- the victim of a crime, domestic violence, sex trafficking, or labor trafficking
A court case may hurt your immigration status if you are:
- found to have committed certain crimes or violated a restraining order
Ask a lawyer about how your case may affect your immigration status.