Moving Forward Together

Immigration Legal Services Department

Legal assistance for immigrants and their families.

The immigration journey is different for everyone, and applications and petitions can be complicated. From answering questions about legal status to translating and submitting paperwork, to assisting with removal defense, we offer clear information and free or low-cost legal assistance for immigrants and their families. The Jewish Family Service Immigration Legal Services Department is comprised of immigration attorneys and Department of Justice accredited representatives dedicated to educating and advocating on behalf of immigrants and refugees.

Take the Next Step

“Thank you for helping me through this process and making me feel that a better life is possible.”

Immigrant Legal Rights Program

Pro Bono Legal Services for Families and Unaccompanied Minors in Deportation Proceedings

Provides full and limited pro bono legal representation to detained adult immigrants at the Otay Mesa Detention Center who are facing deportation proceedings.

Provides full and limited pro bono legal representation to non-detained immigrants who are facing deportation proceedings.

Provides full pro bono representation to unaccompanied minors in removal proceedings. We represent unaccompanied minors classified as such by the Department of Homeland Security, and those who become unaccompanied minors after entering the United States.

Please note that services under this program can be limited due to capacity and high demand for these services. If we are not accepting new cases, our staff will provide referrals to other agencies who can provide this service.

To obtain more information and learn about our capacity to accept new cases, please call us at (858) 637-3365 or email us at [email protected].

Citizenship Classes

10-week courses from February 20 – April 24

El Cajon Library
201 E. Douglas Ave.
Tuesdays, 10:00am–12:00pm

Vista Library
700 Eucalyptus Ave.
Wednesdays, 9:30–11:30am

Spring Valley Library
836 Kempton St.
Wednesdays, 4:00–6:00pm

Interested?
Reach out to Rudy Flores-Clennell:
Call (858) 637-3282  |  SMS (619) 753-1630  |  Email [email protected]

What you will learn:

  • English speaking, reading & writing skills you’ll need for the interview
  • U.S. Geography
  • Early America
  • U.S. founding documents
  • U.S. system of Government
  • People who made history
  • Civil Rights in America
  • Events that shaped the world
  • American symbols and holidays
  • How to participate in government
  • Your rights and responsibilities
  • How to apply for Naturalization
  • Digital skills you’ll need to succeed

Affirmative Immigration Services Program

The Affirmative Immigration Services Program provides quality, free legal services to lower-income individuals living in the San Diego area seeking to obtain certain types of immigration benefits for themselves or their family members living in the United States.

Higher Education Legal Services

Higher Education Legal Services (HELS) provides FREE immigration legal services to students, staff, and faculty at San Diego and Imperial County community and state colleges. Highly qualified legal practitioners provide culturally competent, trauma-informed, legal expertise to the campus community.