Our Services:

Free. Confidential. Compassionate. Accessible.

These services are made possible in part by generous funding support from the State of Hawaiʻi Judiciary.

Language Access:
Do you need help in another language? We will help you get a free interpreter. Use this form to tell us which language you speak and someone will reach out to you.

  • TLC attorneys meet with clients to discuss how the complex US immigration laws affect them. If a client is eligible for relief, the attorney will so advise. However, if a client learns that they are not eligible to obtain legal status, having this information helps protect them from immigration fraud. Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous attorneys who prey on uninformed immigrants, charging them exorbitant fees in exchange for promises of immigration benefits, which never materialize.

  • TLC’s legal team assists clients in filing applications for work permits, permanent residency, US citizenship, DACA, and other matters with US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS).

  • TLC attorneys represent immigrants in proceedings before the federal immigration court (EOIR). There are only a few defense strategies available to immigrants defending their cases before the immigration court. TLC attorneys will determine the best defense strategy for their clients, represent them before the immigration judge, and see their clients through the end of their removal proceedings. In some cases, TLC attorneys will also assist their clients appeal unfavorable decisions in an attempt to obtain a better outcome.

  • TLC attorneys can provide immigration legal advice and counsel; representation in Immigration Court (removal defense/ deportation); and assist COFA residents with applications such as Replacement Form I-94 and Employment Authorization Document (EAD). TLC can also offer advice on pathways for COFA citizens to obtain Lawful Permanent Residency (LPR) status.

    Residents from the states comprising the Compact of Free Association (“COFA”)—the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Palau, are able to migrate to the US under the Compact, which has its origins in the United States’ use of these countries for nuclear testing and other military purposes. An estimated 18,500 COFA nationals live in Hawaiʻi and comprise the fastest-growing portion of our migrant community.

  • TLC attorneys help immigrants seeking humanitarian relief by providing various client services.

    Asylum:

    People flee their country of origin for many reasons, including persecution because of their race, religion, political ideology, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected social group. TLC attorneys represent such asylum-seekers to ensure they will not be forced to return to a country where they will face persecution, torture, or death.

    TPS (Temporary Protected Status):

    TPS is a program that allows migrants from designated countries considered unsafe the right to reside lawfully in the US for up to eighteen months, which the US government can renew indefinitely. The program does not include a path to permanent residency or citizenship, but TPS recipients can, in some cases, apply for those designations separately if eligible.

    SIJ (Special Immigrant Juvenile):

    This is a form of relief for unaccompanied immigrant children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both of their parents. This multi-step case requires proceedings in family court, USCIS, or Immigration Court.

    *Other services may be available for U-Visa & VAWA forms of relief

  • TLC’s legal team can assist clients in filing applications for the renewal of expired immigration documents or replacing lost or stolen immigration documents.

  • TLC staff and trained volunteers guide clients through naturalization, which is often expensive and rigorous. Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States (green card holder) applies for citizenship.

Please see the Community Partners page for other organizations that offer low-cost or free help with citizenship applications, document renewals or replacements, and other immigration legal services for Hawaiʻi residents.

Eligibility

The Legal Clinic provides free immigration legal services to Hawaiʻi residents whose total annual household income is no more than 200% of the current federal poverty level.

Private Consultations

In a consultation, our legal team listens to the person and discusses what options they may have. A consultation is not the same as a case. We might make referrals to legal services, social services organizations, or private attorneys, and we may give advice. TLC may also consider accepting a case if it fits our priority areas.

Immigration Legal Representation

When we accept a client, that often means we are representing the person in a (USCIS) process or that we are getting ready to do so.

Who do we represent?

The Legal Clinic provides vital services to those living in Hawaiʻi who meet our low-income eligiblity guidelines, without regard to immigration status, national origin, ethnic background, race, religion, ideology, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

We work alongside immigrants so they can attain authorization to work and live with dignity, reunite with their families after years of separation, and escape horrific violence to find refuge in the United States.

Because we recognize that every person needs and deserves to feel a sense of trust, welcome, and belonging, our clients represent different faiths, races, traditions, and educational and professional backgrounds — each of them reflecting the powerful diversity of our cities, towns, and communities.