IMMIGRATION & DEPORTATION DEFENSE RESOURCES

Immigration Legal Services referral list: contact information for nonprofit organizations and private attorneys/law firms in Virginia and DC.

Know Your Rights - Immigrants’ Rights in Virginia: sections on what to do if law enforcement and/or ICE agents stop you or come to your home; translated versions available in Spanish, Dari, French, and Pashto.

Detained Adult Program and Detained Children's Program: legal services programs focused exclusively on detained immigrants in jails and juvenile facilities in DC, Maryland, and Virginia – general intake form linked, but if your loved one is under 18 call 202-331-3320 or email children@amicacenter.org (more information).

Immigration Services: assistance navigating citizenship applications, family petitions, asylum, VISAs, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) & other victims of domestic violence, etc. – reach out to agency@cccofva.org. CCC oversees other community services (housing, food, mental health & wellbeing), including a refugee resettlement program in partnership with the Department of State, and interpreter services that support across “a range of fields including health care, social and legal services, schools, and more” in 35 languages (likely not free, email interpreter.services@cccofva.org for more info).

Community services: Virginia affiliate of the NAKASEC national network, they offer support programs in English and Korean, including: immigration legal services (and pro bono referrals), health access services, financial services, and community outreach/programming.
“To make an appointment or to ask questions about the naturalization process or DACA renewals, contact Sejung Park (spark@hamkaecenter.org, 571-519-6939 TTY 711) or fill out the request form.”

Immigration resources: legal aid org with locations in Arlington, Charlottesville, Richmond, and Petersburg, Virginia; good resource for up to date local information, free open-door law school “clinics” for immigration legal support are also hosted throughout the year.

Rapid Response Toolkit: bilingual resource materials, written and recorded, for handling immigration emergencies.
Appointment of Standby Guardian: for families in Virginia with instructions available in English and Spanish. “This form is to designate an adult to be a standby guardian of your minor child(ren) in the event you are detained, incarcerated, or deported in connection with immigration action. The purpose of this form is to ensure a child’s well-being if their primary caregiver is unable to provide care due to a triggering event like illness, accident, or legal issues.”

For pro bono immigration services / direct representation: bilingual general intake support request form – “our program only serves low-income clients. Applicants must meet income and financial requirements. Income is based on household income and can be affected by medical expenses, work expenses, and other factors. We accept clients of all immigration statuses and keep that information confidential (though we do need to ask). We also have translation services available in all languages upon request.”

Referral/Intake: programs/support for immigrants and refugees, more info on scope of services here.

Adult Education Programs: Bilingual courses on ESL, GED, Citizenship Preparation, literacy, and more (in person and online).

Youth Programs: programs & support groups for young adults in Richmond who are navigating transition, interested in building community, art, academic enrichment (including support for parents), college & career prep, etc. Heavily facilitated through Richmond and Chesterfield Public Schools, but some programs appear to be open to other youth within designated age ranges.

Community Hub: programs/workshops coordinated in conjunction with other local community partners.
Family Support Program: “Free health, career, and financial resources navigation, as well as case management, for individuals and families. Free voluntary case management for families call 804-230-4399 to start intake process.”
Tax Services: “We offer free bilingual tax preparation services by appointment for individuals and families making less than $60,000 annual income from February-April. Please call 804-230-4399 to schedule your appointment.”
Immigration Legal Services Program (formerly Family Protection Project): application here. “If you have difficulty completing the form, ask a family member or a friend to help you. If you still need assistance, call 804-837-0189 and leave a message with your complete name, phone number, and why you are calling. We will do our best to return your call within 2-3 business days to schedule an interview with our program assistant to help you complete the online application. The interview fee is $25. Save time and money by completing the application yourself.”

Greater DC Programs: pro bono legal / social services for immigrant survivors of gender-based violence, including support with Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petitions and forced marriage protection, in Virginia, Maryland, and DC, with translation available in every language. Tahirih adopts an inclusive approach by including people who identify as transgender, non-binary, cisgender, and LGBTQIA+ as it defends their right to be free from gender-based violence. To request services call 571-282-6161 between 9:30am-5:00pm EST Monday through Friday, or email greaterdc@tahirih.org.