Access to Justice Shouldn’t be a Luxury
Low-income immigrants face enormous barriers to accessing legal help, especially when every dollar counts. Many are forced to choose between feeding their families or fighting for their legal rights.
Increased immigration enforcement has only deepened these struggles, with workplace raids making people afraid to go to work or unable to support their families.
Immigration Counseling Service (ICS) created the Immigrant Legal Relief Fund to cover critical costs like court filing fees, medical exams, and other legal expenses. We waive legal fees for those who can’t pay and offer no-interest payment plans to ease the burden.
This year, we’re raising $25,000 to help our clients move forward without fear.
Your support helps turn legal barriers into stepping stones toward justice.
Read more below about how the community-funded Immigrant Legal Relief Fund has helped clients in need:
From Homelessness to Hope 🏠
An unhoused client came to ICS unable to afford the fees to renew their green card or pursue citizenship. Thanks to our Immigrant Legal Relief Fund, we covered the costs and helped them take the next step toward stability and belonging.
👨👩👧 For a Caregiver & Provider 💼
Daniel* was caring for his newborn daughter while his wife worked full-time. Without a work permit, he couldn’t contribute financially, and the $2,370 in USCIS fees stood in the way of his adjustment of status. Thanks to our Immigrant Legal Relief Fund, Daniel received the support he needed to apply and move toward stability for his young family.
A Mother’s Fight 💪
A survivor of domestic violence and single mom of three was at risk of losing her visa and work permit. With no way to pay the fees, ICS stepped in to cover the costs so she could keep working and caring for her children.
📸 From Fear to Focus 🎓
Luis*, an aspiring photographer, was stuck. He was working part-time, paying for his medical exam out of pocket, and unable to afford the $1,440 USCIS fee to adjust his asylum status. With help from the Immigrant Legal Relief Fund, Luis filed his application and is now one step closer to returning to school and building a future without fear.
Food Stamps to Freedom 🍽️
Out of work and living on food stamps, a Central American client couldn’t afford legal fees to continue their path to citizenship. ICS’s fund made it possible, and now they’re one step closer to becoming a U.S. citizen.
💪 From Illness to Independence 🛡️
Carlos*, a lung cancer survivor, works limited hours due to his health. The $1,440 USCIS fee was a major burden, but he was determined to adjust his status and live without fear. The Immigrant Legal Relief Fund helped Carlos cover the cost and take a powerful step toward security and peace of mind.
A Young Dreamer’s Lifeline 🌟
A young asylum seeker from Guatemala was about to lose their work permit—and their only source of income. ICS covered the renewal fees, helping them stay self-sufficient and hopeful for the future.
#AsylumSupport #YouthVoices #ICSImpact
*Note: Names and details in these stories have been altered to protect the client’s identity.