Legal representation makes a way for justice and safety
Many of our immigrant neighbors are eligible for lawful status and protection in the U.S. However, applying for and obtaining lawful status is nearly impossible apart from legal representation.
U.S. immigration laws and policy are extremely complex, subject to constant change, and nearly impossible to navigate alone. This is especially true for immigrants who have few to no resources, are survivors of severe trauma and violence, and are eligible for a humanitarian-based immigration status. Further, private immigration attorney fees can exceed tens of thousands of dollars, which for many is an impossible cost.
RILA steps in, removing the high barriers to justice and safety by providing excellent, compassionate, pro bono legal representation to our immigrant neighbors who need it most.
Through RILA’s work and your support, RILA clients no longer face their challenges alone. Instead, they become part of the RILA family and have a team of advocates walking alongside them.
Legal Services
HOW WE SERVE OUR NEIGHBORS
ASYLUM
RILA represents asylum-seekers in Immigration Court and at the Asylum Office. Asylum-seekers were forced to flee from their home countries due to severe persecution and fear for their lives. A team of RILA staff members work to prepare each asylum case for several months in advance of every final court hearing or asylum interview.
SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE (SIJ)
SIJ status is a legal pathway for immigrant children who have experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect by one or both parents. Children and teens with approved SIJ status will eventually be eligible to apply for a Green Card after waiting a certain period of time after their approval.
T & U VISAS
RILA represents those immigrants who are survivors of human trafficking, and those who survived a violent crime, such as severe domestic violence, in the United States. Those with approved T and U Visas are eligible to apply for a Green Card after waiting a certain period of time after their approval.
UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN
Many RILA clients entered the United States as children, without a parent. The reasons for these circumstances vary from case to case, but they all involve suffering, brokenness and loss. RILA represents unaccompanied children in Immigration Court, and those who are eligible for asylum, T and U Visas and SIJ status.
WORK PERMITS
Many RILA are eligible to apply for a work permit based on an approved or pending humanitarian-based immigration petition or application, and RILA assists all eligible clients in timely applying for and renewing work permits.
GREEN CARDS
RILA represents asylees and those with approved humanitarian-based immigration petitions or applications in applying for their Green Cards.
APPEALS AT THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
RILA represents those immigrants who are survivors of human trafficking, and those who survived a violent crime, such as severe domestic violence, in the United States. Those with approved T and U Visas are eligible to apply for a Green Card after waiting a certain period of time after their approval.
REPRESENTATION BEFORE IMMIGRATION & CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT (ICE)
RILA represents those immigrants who are survivors of human trafficking, and those who survived a violent crime, such as severe domestic violence, in the United States. Those with approved T and U Visas are eligible to apply for a Green Card after waiting a certain period of time after their approval.
Community Engagement
RILA
Volunteers
RILA relies on a dedicated community of more than 100 volunteers to multiply its work. Twice a month at its legal aid clinics, RILA welcomes its clients as neighbors, addressing the complexities of their circumstances beyond their legal needs. Groups of clients gather at RILA’s offices to enjoy a communal meal with staff and volunteers, and then meet with RILA legal staff to work on their immigration cases. Volunteers from the community provide the meals, offer childcare, and serve as translators and notetakers in client meetings. Coming together in a compassionate, relaxed atmosphere allows us to develop deep relationships with our clients, and to bear witness to their courage and determination. Additionally, our partnerships with local law firms provide volunteers who write legal briefs and assist with immigration
Education
& Training
RILA is recognized as a leader and resource in the DC area, particularly in the highly complex fields of asylum and SIJ law. We are consistently relied upon by other organizations serving immigrants to provide sound counsel, and to competently, compassionately and successfully handle difficult cases. Additionally, we regularly provide educational events and opportunities to learn together. In the last year we have offered over a dozen Know Your Rights presentations for community organizations. You can request a seminar here.
Partnering with the Local Church
Through our partnership with over a dozen area churches, RILA has the opportunity to educate church congregations on the realities of immigration, asylum law and who are the people that are fleeing to the US as a last resort. We have had many opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations with individuals from partner churches, in which we have been able to shed light on common misconceptions associated with asylum-seekers and immigration, and share our conviction that God loves immigrants and calls us to welcome and serve. Additionally, we regularly offer seminars for church congregations on how they can care for the immigrant neighbors.
