General resources

The following list of resources may be helpful for individuals who are members of undocumented or mixed-status families (i.e., where at least one member is undocumented). We encourage you to click on their respective official websites to learn more about the type of support they provide and eligibility requirements. This list is continuously being updated, so feel free to bookmark it and return to it. 

Last updated on: October 2024

National

My Undocumented Life www.myundocumentedlife.org This online platform provides up-to-date information and resources to undocumented students and their families. This includes scholarship opportunities that are open to undocumented students, strategies for navigating college and grad school while undocumented, information on how to apply for DACA, personal stories of growing up undocumented, and more.

American Civil Liberties Union www.aclu.org The ACLU works to defend and preserve individual rights and liberties.

Deportation 101 Manual www.familiesforfreedom.org/deportation-101-manual This manual offers information on the criminal justice and deportation systems, including tips and advocacy strategies for people at risk of deportation.

Digno Regreso, A.C. www.dignoregreso.wordpress.com/ Esta asociacion se dedica a asistir a personas que han sido deportado/as a Mexico.

DREAM Educational Empowerment Program (DEEP) www.unitedwedream.org/about/projects/education-deep/ DEEP seeks to lay the groundwork that advances the educational justice movement in the U.S. by focusing resources and research on the needs and realities of immigrant students in order to increase educational attainment rates. Resources provided by DEEP include: “DACA Guide for Teachers”, “Tuition Equity Map”, “Just Ask! Which College Is Right for You?”, “Graduate! A Financial Aid Guide to Success”, and much more!

Immigrants Rising www.immigrantsrising.org/ This organization offers an array of programs and services that holistically address the needs of undocumented young people through direct support, leadership and career development, community outreach and education, creative expression, and advocacy. Immigrants Rising has a number of guides, including: “DACA Guide”, “Got DACA? Now What?”, scholarships lists, educator guides, and more!

Financial Handbook for Families Facing Detention & Deportation www.familiesforfreedom.org/resources/financial-handbook-families-facing-detention-deportations In this handbook, you will find information about how to manage your bank account if inside a detention center, the power of attorney, how to receive packages while in detention, and more.

Graduates Reaching a Dream Deferred- (Southern/Northern CA) www.dreamresourcecenter.org/gradd.html GRADD was founded by undocumented graduate students and Labor Center interns in 2010 to address the needs of immigrant students interested in pursuing graduate education. GRADD works to establish a national network of students, faculty members, and community leaders dedicated to bringing resources and attention to this underserved student population. Through the creation of an inclusive and safe environment, GRADD works to reassure students that their academic and professional goals are achievable.

Pre-health Dreamers www.phdreamers.org Are you undocumented and thinking about a career in the science or health field? Check out PreHealth Dreamers, a network that investigates and shares information on career pathways for prehealth undocumented students as well as advocates for more progressive institutional and governmental policies for undocumented students.

Immigration Lawyer Search www.ailalawyer.org This site is a search engine where you can locate immigration lawyers near your area. The page provides both English/Spanish options.

List of free or low-cost legal services by Immigration Law Help www.immigrationlawhelp.org This website acts as a database with names to services that are free or low-cost to undocumented immigrants. In the case that one requires a lawyer, this service allows you to find one. You are able to check by state and even search by detention facility.

National Immigration Law Center www.nilc.org This organization is dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants. On their website, NILC features several immigration-related reports and resources, including information on in-state tuition benefits and state financial aid for undocumented students.

Protecting Assets & Child Custody in the Face of Deportation www.appleseednetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Protecting-Assets-And-child-Custody-In-The-Face-Of-Deportation-A-Guide-for-Practitioners-Assisting-Immigrant-Families-2012.pdf This manual is meant to assist individuals who are in detention. It includes information on accessing one’s bank account, collecting unpaid wages, and more.

Informed Immigrant https://www.informedimmigrant.com Mission to provide all undocumented immigrants knowledge and resources to be prepared in an unpredictable political and enforcement environment. Has a database of different in-person based off your location. Offering information in Spanish and English on and offline.

California

Immigration Center for Women and Children (ICWC) https://www.icwclaw.org/ Non-profit legal organization providing affordable immigration services to underrepresented immigrants in CA & Nevada. Providing education and assistance with VAWA, T & U-Visas, DACA, and more. Including, a court-based legal education program for non-detained immigrants. 

Association of Salvadorans of LA. https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/legaldirectory/organization.392605-The_Association_of_Salvadorans_of_Los_Angeles Assists immigrants with legal services support and promotes a sense of community. Helps complete forms such as adjustment of status, DACA, employment authorization, as well as filing with USCIS, etc. 

10,000 Degrees Scholarship 10000degrees.org/scholarships Equity focused scholarship provider supporting low income background to & through college. Eligibility is pursuing associates, bachelors, teaching credential or technical certification. Enrolled in a minimum of 12 units serving students in Marin, Sonoma, San Francisco, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Napa, & Lake counties. Open Dec 1st 

Immigrants Rising: Law School Resource Guide for Undocumented Students: Getting to Law School https://immigrantsrising.org/wp-content/uploads/Immigrants-Rising_Law-School-Resource-Guide-for-Undocumented-Students.pdf Step by Step guide for undocumented students interested in a J.D. degree, including information on the LSAT, applications, and more.

Immigrants Rising: Resource for Other Forms of Income https://immigrantsrising.org/wp-content/uploads/Immigrants-Rising_5-Tips-to-Get-Started-as-an-Independent-Contractor-or-Freelancer.pdf Guide for graduating students who are looking for alternative forms of income, such as starting a business or becoming a freelancer. 

Freedom Warming Center (Santa Barbara Housing) https://ussb.org/justice/fwc/ These Freedom Warming Centers are a low barrier service providing shelter to all in need of sanctuary on cold nights throughout Santa Barbara County. Guests can arrive at any hour of the evening, between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and pets are welcome. 

Share Our Selves (Serves OC) https://www.shareourselves.org/services/financial-assistance/ Direct financial assistance is available for basic necessities including rent, utilities and transportation. Volunteers interview those seeking financial assistance and in addition to the aid we provide, offer referrals to public and private agencies that may offer additional support.

Christ the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church Food Closet https://211la.org/resources/site/christ-good-shepherd-episcopal-church-food-closet Emergency food for people in the Los Angeles area, including people who are homeless and who are undocumented.

Texas

RAICES (Refugee & Immigrant Center for Education & Legal Services) https://www.raicestexas.org/need-help/ A non-profit providing counseling services and legal representation to families in Central & South Texas. Their services include Legal Consultation free and low cost services,  for DACA renewal, family petitions, Asylum, etc and meet with a lawyer to determine if you are eligible for services. 

Immigrant Resource Hotline https://www.houstonimmigration.org/hotline/ Provide free and low-cost immigration legal referrals, referrals to immigrant friendly social services, information on immigration law and policy updates, and educating on knowing your rights. Hotline is open between Tuesday-Friday 9-5PM. This hotline is a project created by Houston Legal Services Collaborative, and other organizations in Texas. 

Merced Housing Texas https://www.mercedhousingtexas.org/affordable-housing/ Merced owns 15 housing communities for affordable prices throughout Texas including: San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Conroe, Somerset, Karnes City, Goliad, and Fort Worth. Qualifications are based on income levels, and availability varies at each site. 

Dollar For https://forms.dollarfor.org/?aid=findhelp&sid1=national Non-profit organizations help cover medical/hospital costs through charity care in which they help qualified clients based on income levels to be partnered with a charity to cover their medical costs. 

South Texas Food Assistance https://www.southtexasfoodbank.org/programs South Texas Food Bank is located in 8 South Counties of Texas, and provide food assistance experiencing or about to experience food insecurity.

Florida

Hispanic Unity of Florida https://www.hispanicunity.org/content/legal-assistance-immigration Non-profit organization providing legal assistance and low-cost immigration lawyers. They offer support in completing immigration forms, Naturalization, Application for Residence, work permits, and Petitions I-130.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami, Inc.: Homeless Prevention & Rapid Re-Housing https://www.ccadm.org/ Providing assistance and appropriate referrals to individuals and families in the counties listed below to prevent homelessness or provide re-housing. The eligibility requirements are based on being a resident of the respective county, homeless or at risk, and income. As well as providing financial assistance when there is funding available.

Feeding Florida https://www.feedingflorida.org/taking-action/find-food-now/?foodSource=Food%20Banks&county=Baker%20County Non-profit organization that has a database of mobile and permanent food banks throughout the state of Florida that do not require proof or a form of identification. If paperwork is given at a food bank, people are not required to fill it out.  

Florida Immigration Law Counsel https://fl-ilc.com/undocumented-students-college/ Provide information and answer questions for undocumented immigrants, specially students on their education options, services they provide, and updates on Florida law. 

New York

Make the Road NYC https://maketheroadny.org/ Immigrant focused resource hub offering legal (immigration, housing, etc.), trainings, other support

UnLocal, Inc. https://www.unlocal.org/ A community-centered non-profit organization that provides direct immigration legal representation and community education to New York City’s undocumented immigrant communities.

Cabrini Immigrant Services https://cis-nyc.org/ Offers legal assistance, food pantry access, and other one on one social services.

Coalicion Mexicana https://coalicionmexicana.org/  Offers legal and health services, as well as learning opportunities.

Coalition for the Homeless https://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/get-help/im-in-need-of-housing/supportive-housing/obtain-supportive-housing/ Organization provides access to shelters or supportive housing in New York regardless of immigration status. 

NYC Care https://www.nyccare.nyc/ This is a health care access program that provides low-cost and no-cost services to New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance.

City Harvest https://www.cityharvest.org/ You can go to their website to locate food pantries, mobile food pantries, soup kitchens and community fridges near you. The map also gives information about whether an ID is needed or if they require SSN. Please double check the notes to see whether you are eligible.

New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC) https://www.nysylc.org/ This is an immigrant youth-led organization based in New York that provides support groups, resources, and a sense of community.

Illinois

Binational Institute of Human Development https://www.binationalinstitute.com/legal-and-immigration-center/ Offers legal assistance from experienced lawyers at reasonable and affordable costs. Also provides help to low and moderate income individuals complete forms, filing with USCIS, securing representation for asylum, and more.

Immigration Project: Housing Program https://www.immigrationproject.org/social-services/ Non-profit organization offers the Housing Stability Services provided (5263) with the Illinois Housing development Authority. Through different funding sources they serve people behind on their mortgage or risk of foreclosure. Also serving tenants who have received summons to eviction court, to stop an eviction to dismiss your case. 

Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education https://ilache.org/Scholarship Foundation with year round scholarships to high achieving Latino/a/x students in Illinois and all are welcome to apply. Awaring $1000 to 3 recipients. 

Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation https://www.illcfoundation.org/scholarship-program The foundation selects high achieving students who are residents of Illinois of Latino ancestry, regardless of immigration status. During their 2021 application, awarded $5,000 to 20 students for any form of schooling. 

Illinois Coalition For Immigrant and Refugee Rights https://www.icirr.org/ This is an organization in the state of Illinois that provides helpful information and resources for undocumented immigrants and their families, including workshops, policy updates, advocacy opportunities, and more.

Arizona

Friendly House https://www.friendlyhouse.org/immigration-services  Services offered: DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival), Victims of Domestic Violence (VAWA), U Visas / T Visas (Humanitarian Visas), Affidavit of Support, Fiancé (e) Visa, Green Card Renewals, Family-Based Petitions (I-30), Adjustment of Status, Cancellation of Removal on Deportation Proceedings, Consular Processing, Naturalization/Citizenship, Employment Authorization, FOIA/FBI Requests, Travel Documents,  Mock Interviews, Waivers (I-601 / I-601A)

Florence Project https://firrp.org/what/probono/ Provide free legal services and education for immigrants facing removal proceedings in Arizona. Also provide high-quality, innovative, and trauma-informed legal education and representation to detained adults. Prioritize direct legal representation for the most vulnerable populations, including individuals with severe medical or mental health needs, those at-risk of imminent harm, members of the LGBTQ+ community, indigenous language speakers, and families at risk of separation.  

Arizona Law Clinic https://law.arizona.edu/academics/clinics/immigration-law-clinic Law students provide legal assistance to immigrants under the supervision of clinical faculty.

Arizona Undocumented Works Relief Fund https://www.azfoundation.org/ways-to-give/give-by-impact-area/latino-philanthropy/arizona-undocumented-workers-relief-fund/ The fund provides essential support for rent, food and other life-critical essential needs as a result of the COVID-19 health and economic crisis.

AZ Foundation https://www.azfoundation.org/scholarship-seekers/ This foundation is connected to various donors awarding students funding to achieve their goals through one application, and does not require proof of residency or citizenship. Applications open Januray 2024. 

Puente Human Rights https://puenteaz.org/foodbank/ Provides fresh food (fruits, vegetables, etc.) for families on the first Monday of each month. They do not require an ID.

Georgia

Catholic Charities Atlanta https://catholiccharitiesatlanta.org/services/immigration-legal-services/ This organization serves clients who cant afford legal assistance and legal services for family based petitions, DACA renewals, Refugee Adjustment applications for legal permanent residency, and more.

Atlanta Community Food Bank https://acfb.wpengine.com/get-help/ Food Pantry database with directions to a variety of pantries throughout Atlanta helping with securing food, healthcare and other necessities. 

North Carolina

North Carolina Justice Center – Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project https://www.ncjustice.org Helps low-income immigrants with different immigrant matters and civil cases. They assist with completing forms, filing with USCIS, DACA, and more by appointments.

NC-Immigrant Solidarity Fund https://cwsgreensboro.org/isf/ Eligible applicants are provided with one-time cash assistance to secure housing, pay bills, home repairs caused by emergencies, pay medical expenses, or post ICE bail bonds for loved ones.

Please keep in mind that this resource page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional legal advice. It is important to consult with an experienced and trustworthy immigration representative or attorney to receive answers and support for specific legal questions. Additionally, the information provided is current to the publication of this resource page. Please be sure to verify any authenticity and trustworthiness of links prior to connecting with any resource.