Citizenship and Immigration: Immigrant Information Corners: Legal Services and Education Referral List
Resources on citizenship and immigration.
Need Help?
The Legal Services and Education Referral List is designed to help you find non-profit organizations that offer legal assistance, citizenship classes and workshops, immigration and legal clinics, as well as ESOL classes and more. They are organized by neighborhood.
For additional legal referral services:
The Immigration Advocates Network provides a searchable National Immigration Legal Services Directory. You can search by state or zip code to find immigration legal assistance near you.
The Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement also provides a printable list of organizations that offer legal assistance throughout the state of Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition offers a Helpline for Massachusetts residents to answer to the most commonly asked immigration questions. While this service does not provide legal advice, it can share important immigration information and resources.
Catholic Charities Immigration Court Helpdesk offers information and referrals for navigating the Boston Immigration Court.
Massachusetts Adult Education Help Desk is a searchable directory of adult education and ESOL classes throughout Massachusetts by city/zipcode.
Legal Services and Education Referral List: Boston
- Brazilian Women's Group
697 Cambridge St. Suite 106, Brighton, MA. 02135
617-202-5775
Languages Spoken: English, Portuguese, Spanish
Types of Legal Assistance: Free Immigration Clinics
Non-Legal Services: ESL and Computer Literacy Classes, Community Meetings on immigration and how to protect yourself and your family against immigration raids. - Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS)
697 Cambridge St., Suite 203 Brighton, MA. 02135
617-787-0557
Citizenship Services: N400 application assistance and Citizenship Classes.
Non-Legal Services: ESOL Classes and Immigrant Integration Services
- Asian American Civic Association (AACA)
87 Tyler St. 5th Floor Boston, MA. 02111
617-426-9492 ext. 200
Languages: Chinese, English, Spanish
Areas of Legal Assistance: Initial entry into the U.S., Immigrant visa processing, Change of status from immigrant or refugee to permanent resident, Application procedure for citizenship, Petitioning to bring immediate family members – spouses, children, parents and siblings – into the United States.
Types of Legal Assistance: Immigration Clinics
Non-Legal Services: ESOL Classes, New Roots to Employment, Employment Services, Skills Training, Job Readiness Training. - Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center
38 Ash St. Boston, MA. 02111
617-635-5129
Citizenship Services: Citizenship Classes
Areas of Legal Assistance: Adjustment of Status, Consular Processing, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Employment Authorization, Employment-Based Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Petitions, and Family-Based Petitions.
Types of Legal Assistance: Help completing forms and filing with USCIS.
Non-Legal Services: English Classes - Chinese Progressive Association
28 Ash St. Boston, MA. 02111
617-357-4499
Citizenship Services: Citizenship Classes
Non-Legal Services: English Classes, Support services and tutoring to adult immigrants, with an emphasis on promoting participation in the social, cultural, economic, and political mainstream of U.S. society.
- Association for Haitian Women
330 Fuller St. Dorchester, MA. 02124
617-287-0096
Non-Legal Assistance: ESOL Classes and New Immigrant Empowerment workshops - Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS)1 Stoughton Street Dorchester, MA. 02125
617-825-5897
Citizenship Services: N-400 application assistance and Citizenship Classes.
Non-Legal Services: ESOL Classes and Immigrant Integration Services - St. Mark Community Education Program
25 Beach Street Dorchester, MA 02122
617-288-8515, stmarkesol@gmail.com
Citizenship Services: Citizenship Classes, partnership with MIRA Coalition for N-400 application assistance.
Non-Legal Services: ESOL classes
- Project Citizenship
4 Faneuil South Market Building, 3rd Floor, Suite 4025 Boston, MA 02109
617-694-5949
Citizenship Services: Citizenship Application Clinics. - Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA)
105 Chauncy St. Suite 901 Boston, MA. 02111
617-350-5480
Citizenship Services: Citizenship and Application Clinics.
Types of Legal Service: Help completing forms, Filing with USCIS. - Political Asylum / Immigration Representation Project
98 N. Washington St. Suite 106 Boston, MA. 02114
617-742-9296
Areas of Legal Assistance: Adjustment of Status, Asylum application, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Employment Authorization, Habeas Corpus, NACARA, Removal Hearings, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Temporary Protected Status, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), U Visas, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Petitions.
Types of Legal Assistance: Filings with USCIS, Representation at Asylum Interviews (Credible Fear Interviews, Reasonable Fear Interviews), Representation before the Immigrant Court, Representation before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), Federal Court Appeals. - International Institute of New England
2 Boylston Street, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02116
617-695-9990
Citizenship Services: IINE's Citizenship Education promotes the rights and responsibilities of U.S. Citizenship and helps to foster civic participation through the orientation and preparation of its newest members.
Non-Legal Services: ESOL Classes, Bridges to College, Employment Services, Refugee Resettlement, Community Orientation, Case Management, Family Reunification, Youth Leadership. - Rian Immigrant Center (formerly called the Irish International Immigrant Center)
One State St. Suite 800 Boston, MA. 02109
617-542-7654
Languages Spoken: Albanian, English, French, Haitian Creole, Spanish, Irish
Citizenship Services: Citizenship Classes
Areas of Legal Assistance: Adjustment of Status, Consular Processing, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), Employment Authorization, Family-Based Petitions, Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Types of Legal-Assistance: Representation at Asylum Interviews (Credible Fear Interviews, Reasonable Fear Interviews), Representation before the Immigration Court, Representation before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), Federal Courts Appeals.
Non-Legal Services: ESOL Classes, Basic Computer Literacy Classes, Employment Services, Health Services, Legislative Advocacy (state or national), Psychological or Psychiatric Services, Referrals, Social Services. - Jewish Vocational Services (JVS)
75 Federal St. 3rd Floor, Boston, MA. 02110
617-399-3131
Citizenship Services: Citizenship Classes.
Non-Legal Services: ESOL Classes, Skills Training, Job Readiness Training, Adult Literacy, JVS Employer Services, Refugee Services, Neighborhood Business Builders. - Greater Boston Legal Services
197 Friend St. Boston, MA. 02114
617-371-1234, 800-323-3205
Languages Spoken: English, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish.
Areas of Legal Assistance: Asylum Application, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, T Visas, U Visas, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Petitions.
Types of Legal Assistance: Filings with USCIS, Representation at Asylum Interviews (Credible Fear Interviews, Reasonable Fear Interviews), Representation Before the Immigration Court, Representation before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), Federal Court Appeals.
Non-Legal Services: Administrative Advocacy (CIS/ICE/CBP), Legal Orientation Program (LOP), Know Your Rights Presentations (KYR), Legislative Advocacy (state or national), Referrals to other services.
- East Boston Community Council
50 Meridian St., Suite B1 East Boston, MA. 02128
617-567-2750
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish.
Areas of Legal Assistance: Adjustment of Status, Asylum Applications, Consular Processing, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Deferred Action for Parents of American and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), Employment Authorization, Family-Based Petitions, NACARA, Naturalization/Citizenship, Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Types of Legal Assistance: Help completing forms, ESL Classes, Language Services, Legal Orientation Program (LOP) / Know Your Rights Presentations (KYR), Legislative Advocacy (state or national), Referrals to other services, Social Services. - Centro Presente
12 Bennington St., Suite 202 East Boston, MA. 02128
857-256-2981
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish.
Types of Legal Assistance: Renewal of Work Permits for members of the ABC program of political asylum (Salvadorans and Guatemalans), Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Salvadorans and Hondurans, NAVARA (Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act) application, Family Petitions, Residence Renewals, and Citizenship Petitions, Help Completing Forms, Filings with USCIS.
Non-Legal Services: Support Services such as Change of Address, FOIA Requests, Copies, CORI Requests, Photos, Translations Services, and Community Orientation Sessions regarding current migratory laws. - East Boston APAC
21 Meridian St. East Boston, MA. 02128
617-567-8857
Citizenship Services: Civics Classes - U.S. Citizenship Exam Preparation and Instruction.
Types of Legal Assistance: Green Card and other Renewals, Fee Waivers, and Citizenship Workshops.
- Dominican Development Center
42 Seaverns Ave. Jamaica Plain, MA. 02130
617-524-4029
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Citizenship Services: Citizenship Classes
Areas of Legal Assistance: Employment Authorization, Employment-Based Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Petitions, Naturalization/Citizenship, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Petitions.
Non-Legal Services: Help Completing Forms, Filings with USCIS, ESL Classes, Immigration Clinics, Referrals, Translations, Housing Referrals / Tenant Rights BIWC, Legal Orientation Programs (LOP) / Know Your Rights Presentations (KYR).
- Parker Hill - Fenway NCS714 Parker St. Roxbury, MA. 02120
617-445-6000
Citizenship Services: Civics Classes - U.S. Citizenship Exam Preparation and Instruction.
Types of Legal Assistance: Green Card and other Renewals, Fee Waivers, and Citizenship Workshops. - Refugee & Immigrant Assistance Center
253 Roxbury Street Boston, MA 02119
617-238-2430
Citizenship Services: Citizenship Application Assistance.
Areas of Legal Assistance: Citizenship/Naturalization, Family-Based Visa Petitions, Adjustment of status, Refugee Adjustment, Affirmative Asylum Applications, Fiancée Visas Petitions, Consular Processing Assistance, Application to Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence, Temporary Protective Status (TPS), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Employment Authorization Applications, Petition for Refugee Relatives, Petition for Asylee Relatives, Renewals of Permanent Residence, Advance Parole Travel Permission, Refugee Travel Document, Visa Extensions, Passport Application. USCIS Interview Preparation, Accompany Client to USCIS Interview.
- Catholic Charities of Boston - Refugee and Immigration Services
275 West Broadway South Boston, MA. 02127
617-268-9670
Languages Spoken: Arabic, Armenian, Cantonese Chinese, English, Haitian Creole, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese.
Areas of Legal Assistance: Family-Based Visa Petitions, Adjustment of Status, Asylum Applications, Consular Processing, Temporary Protective Status (TPS), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Deferred Action for Parents of American Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), Employment Authorization, Employment- Based Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Petitions, NACARA, Removal Hearings, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, T Visas, U Visas, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Petitions.
Types of Legal Assistance: Help Completing Forms, Filings with USCIS, Representation at Asylum Interviews (Credible Fear Interviews, Reasonable Fear Interviews), Representation before the Immigration Court, Community Interpreter Services, Immigration Legal Services, Refugee Employment Services and Refugee Resettlement..
Non-Legal Services: Administrative Advocacy (CIS/ICE/CBP), Employment Services, ESL Classes, Language Services, Legal Orientation Programs (LOP) / Know Your Rights Presentations (KYR), Legislative Advocacy (state or national), Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)-funded services for Trafficking Victims, Psychological or Psychiatric Services, Referrals, Social Services.
- Agencia Alpha
62 Northampton St., Suite 203-204 Boston, MA. 02301
617-522-6382
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Citizenship Services: Beginner and Intermediate Citizenship Classes, Citizenship Application Assistance includes N400, N600, N648 disability and I912 Fee Waiver, Interview and Test Preparations Support Services.
Areas of Legal Assistance: Adjustment of Status, Asylum Applications, Consular Processing, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DAPA), Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), Employment Authorization, Family -Based Petitions, NACARA, Naturalization/Citizenship, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), U Visas, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Petitions.
Types of Legal Assistance: Help Completing Forms, Filings with UCSIS.
Know Your Rights and Family Preparedness
The following resources provide information on legal rights for immigrants in the US, regardless of status:
- Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition Know Your Rights Resource Page
- Civil, Workers' and Education Right in Massachusetts
- American Immigration Lawyer's Association Know Your Rights Flyers
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center's Know Your Rights Cards
Family Preparedness Information:
- Massachusetts Emergency Planning Guide for Families (in English, Español, Kreyòl Ayisyen and Português)
- Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition
Avoiding Scams
If you have legal questions about the immigration or citizenship process or you need help filling out forms, it is important to go to a reliable source for help. The organizations listed on this page can provide reliable legal assistance, and may be able to do so for free or at a reduced cost. You can also find this assistance through an accredited representative or by hiring a lawyer who practices immigration law. The Massachusetts Bar Association, Boston Bar Association and Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder offer referral services to immigration lawyers.
For more information on avoiding immigration scams:
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services: Common Scams
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services: Avoid Scams
Federal Trade Commission: How to Avoid Immigration Scams and Get Real Help
Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition: Preventing Immigration Scams