Law and Legal Research
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Recommended Reading
America for Americans by The United States is known as a nation of immigrants. But it is also a nation of xenophobia. In America for Americans, Erika Lee shows that an irrational fear, hatred, and hostility toward immigrants has been a defining feature of our nation from the colonial era to the Trump era. Forcing us to confront this history, Lee explains how xenophobia works, why it has endured, and how it threatens America.
Guarding the Golden Door by The federal government's efforts to pick and choose among the multitude of immigrants seeking to enter the United States began with the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Conceived in ignorance and falsely presented to the public, it had undreamt of consequences. Irreverent, deeply informed, and authoritative, Guarding the Golden Door presents an unforgettable interpretation of modern American history.
U.S. Immigration Made EasyU.S. Immigration Made Easy provides detailed descriptions of application processes and helps you avoid traps that might destroy your chances. There's an immigration eligibility self-quiz, which helps you match your background and skills to a likely category of visa or green card. This book does not cover naturalization. If you're interested in U.S. citizenship, see Nolo's Becoming a U.S. Citizen.
Becoming a U.S. CitizenThe application process to become a U.S. citizen can be long and confusing. With Becoming a U.S. Citizen learn how to: make sure you are eligible for citizenship, understand the risks and rewards of applying, study for the citizenship exam, and deal with delays and setbacks.
Citizenship and Immigration in Massachusetts
What Falls Under this Category?*
- Asylum and refugee status
- Citizenship
- Unaccompanied minors
*Do not consider this an exhaustive list
Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants
The Office for Refugees and Immigrants supports services that meet the cultural and linguistic needs of refugees and immigrants through a network of service providers in Massachusetts. ORI’s mission is to promote the full participation of refugees and immigrants as self-sufficient individuals and families in the economic, social, and civic life of Massachusetts. Eligible groups include: Afghan and Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa Holders, Amerasians, Asylees, Cuban/Haitian Entrants, Human Trafficking Victims, Legal Permanent Residents, and Refugees.
The Office administers programs that provide direct services to clients through a network of resettlement agencies, faith-based organizations and ethnic community-based organizations, which have the capacity to serve the culturally and linguistically diverse needs of newcomer populations.
Some of their programming includes Citizenship for New Americans Program (CNAP), Financial Literacy for Newcomers (FLN), and Employment For Refugees.
Download the Noncitizen Resource Brochure from Mass.gov (2019):
Right: "A little book for immigrants in Boston". 1921.
Know Your Rights
"Whether you’re a U.S. citizen, a green card holder, a student on a visa, or undocumented, you have legal rights. At this time of aggressive immigration enforcement, it is ever more crucial to be well prepared for a potential encounter with law enforcement or immigration agents." (MIRA)
- Know Your Rights with ICE | Conozca Sus Derechos con ICE
- Explains who is at risk of an ICE arrest and your rights when interacting with ICE officers. Available in 16 languages: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Tagalog, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Bangla, Punjabi, Arabic, Urdu, Simplified & Traditional Mandarin, Korean, Russian, and Hebrew.
- Is It Safe to Apply for Health Insurance or Seek Health Care? | ¿Es arriesgado solicitar un seguro de salud o recibir cuidado de salud?
- A blog post from the National Immigration Law Center.
- Know Your Rights Card
- A wallet-sized "Know Your Rights" card from the Massachusetts Immigration & Refugee Advocacy Coalition. Available in English, Español, Português, Kreyòl ayisyen, and more.
Federal Law & Policy
Immigration law is constantly changing depending on the current administration. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), enacted in 1952, contains many of the most important provisions of immigration law. The INA is contained in the United States Code. The U.S Code is freely available to read. Title 8 contains immigration policy.
Due to its complicated nature, an immigration lawyer is likely the best way to understand specific immigration situations and options. The American Association of Immigration Lawyers has a tool that helps you find an immigration lawyer: AILAlawyer.com.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
USCIS is the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. On the USCIS website you can:
- Check your case status online - you will need your receipt number. Use this tool to track the status of an immigration application, petition, or request. For those experiencing the immigration removal process, enter your alien number.
- Naturalization Eligibility Tool. Before beginning Form N-400, the Application For Naturalization, answer some simple questions to find out if you can apply for Naturalization.
- Request Records through the Freedom of Information Act or Privacy Act (FOIA). Request your own immigration records; someone else’s immigration records, if you have their written permission; and agency policies, data, communications, and other records.
- Legislation affecting immigration and nationality. This includes the Immigration & Nationality Act.
- See the full list of USCIS Online Resources and Tools here (PDF)
Local Resources
- American Immigration Lawyers Association: Find an Immigration Lawyer
AILA is a professional association whose members are individual lawyers. AILA does not provide legal advice, recommendations, mediation, or counseling. This site is not a lawyer referral service. This site and the information on it should be used for finding an immigration attorney for legal help. 
Children's Law Center of MassachusettsChildren's Law Center of Massachusetts provides legal assistance, resources, and referrals to youth, parents, attorneys and helping professionals in the following areas: education, immigration, health and mental health, and system-involved youth.
De Novo Center for Justice and HealingDe Novo provides high-quality, free legal assistance to low-income immigrants and asylum seekers who are living in Massachusetts in cases involving: Asylum, VAWA, T-Visa, U-Visa, Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ), and Forensic Evaluations.
Greater Boston Legal ServicesGreater Boston Legal Service's assists immigrants and refugees obtain legal status in two categories: Immigration Unit and the Asian Outreach Unit.
Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy CoalitionMIRA Coalition’s mission is to convene, serve, and organize together with our members, community leaders, and allies for the advancement of all immigrants across the Commonwealth and beyond. MIRA Coalition places immigrant and refugee voices at the forefront to advocate for the well-being of our communities.
Mass Legal HelpExplore the 7 immigration legal issues highlighted by MLH: Know Your Rights, Citizenship & Green Cards, Asylum Seekers & Temporary Protected Status, Survivors of Domestic Violence/Victims of Crime Trafficking, Immigrant Youth, Detention & Deportation, and Immigrants & Benefits.
Project CitizenshipProject Citizenship is a nonprofit agency that provides free, high-quality legal services to permanent residents to help them become U.S. citizens. Project Citizenship offers free workshops, eligibility screening, application assistance, legal referrals, and all materials needed to apply for U.S. citizenship. In addition, Project Citizenship works collaboratively with community-based partners in New England to provide a range of support services, civics instruction, application assistance, and ESOL classes.
Rian Immigrant CenterRian's welcome center provides a comprehensive, multi-service approach to supporting immigrant and refugee families from more than 120 different countries. Formerly called the Irish International Immigrant Center, they maintain a strong connection to Ireland through an international learning exchange. Rian advocates for fair immigration legislation and just policies, and facilitate an intercultural program which promotes inclusion, diversity, and unity.