Pro Bono

Pro Bono Opportunities/Events

Citizenship Day 2018

AILA is pleased to announce that AILA’s Citizenship Day will take place on Saturday, September 15, 2018. In its 12th year, Citizenship Day is a single-day nationwide event hosted by AILA chapters and their local grassroots partners across the country that has helped thousands of eligible legal permanent residents prepare and apply for U.S. naturalization.

Southern California AILA members will partner with NALEO Educational to provide pro bono assistance to naturalization applicants. The workshop includes filling out and reviewing Form N-400, access to passport photo services and study materials, as well as providing assistance in completing fee waivers. AILA volunteer attorneys will also need assistance with completing the N-400 applications, and review the applications, a vital part of the workshop process.

Please save the date! Additional information regarding planning and trainings for this event will be shared online as it becomes available in the future. We look forward to helping you plan your Citizenship Day event! Thank you!

 CALL TO ACTION – Family Detention Pro Bono Project

AILA National is calling for volunteers attorneys and Spanish-speaking interpreters to donate their time in Dilley, Texas to represent undocumented women and children who are being housed in family detention.

Each individual who is willing to volunteer will make an immense change in the lives of the people they are helping.

If you are able to volunteer, please visit www.aila.org/caraprobonoproject. Please contact Chair@aila.org or Maheen Taqui mtaqui@aila.org, or Susan Timmons Marks stimmons@aila.org at AILA National.

Do You Need Immigration Advice But Can’t Afford a Lawyer?

The AILA Southern California Chapter has a strong commitment to providing pro bono (free of charge) clinics for the low income members of our community who cannot afford a private immigration attorney but need competent immigration advice to start their immigration journey. We regularly team up with other non-profit organizations to host clinics to benefit the local community. Our members regularly volunteer their time at pro bono citizenship and immigration clinics across Southern California. AILA does not recommend nor endorse any particular lawyer nor will the attorney you consult with at one of our hosted clinics be able to represent you in your immigration matter on behalf of AILA or further after the clinic unless you have a separate written agreement with that attorney through their practice area, which is separate from any clinic event.

There are several nonprofit legal service organizations throughout Southern California that may also be good resources for individuals seeking free or low cost legal assistance or representation. Below is a general list of some of these possible resources. AILA is not endorsing any particular organization on the list provided, nor does this list include all such resources available. This list is provided as general information; specific inquiries about the nature of services provided should be directed to each organization.

General List of Nonprofit Legal Service Providers

Are you an AILA member and are interested in volunteering?

For information about volunteering or hosting a clinic at your organization or venue, please contact our Pro Bono liaisons listed below.

Upcoming Pro Bono Events:

For more information on citizenship eligibility and citizenship workshops, see also http://ciudadania.yaeshora.info/events/ or call English /Spanish (888) 839-8682

AILA SoCal Chapter Pro Bono Liaisons:

Pro Bono Articles on Local AILA Members

More Resources

Pro Bono Assistance & Protection Against the Unauthorized Practice of Immigration Law (UPIL)